Abstract
Chronic neck pain is a common human health problem. Changes in scapular posture and alteration of muscle activation patterns of scapulothoracic muscles are cited as potential risk factors for neck pain. The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of neck exercise training (NET) with and without scapular stabilization training (SST) on pain intensity, the scapula downward rotation index (SDRI), forward head angle (FHA) and neck range of motion (ROM) in patients with chronic neck pain and scapular dyskinesia. A total of sixty-six subjects with chronic neck pain and scapular dyskinesia were randomly divided into three groups: neck exercise training, n = 24, combined training (NET + SST), n = 24 and a control group, n = 24. Pain intensity, SDRI, FHA and ROM were measured by the numerical rating scale, caliper, photogrammetry and IMU sensor, respectively. When the combined intervention group consisting of NET and SST was compared with NET alone at six weeks, there was a statistically significant difference in pain intensity, SDRI, FHA and cervical ROM for flexion and extension (p ≤ 0.05). Adding scapular exercises to neck exercises had a more significant effect in decreasing pain intensity, SDRI, FHA and increased cervical ROM than neck exercises alone in patients with chronic neck pain. These findings indicate that focus on the scapular posture in the rehabilitation of chronic neck pain effectively improves the symptoms.
Highlights
Neck pain that lasts for three months or more is determined as chronic neck pain
An altered kinematic of the scapula may be present in subjects with chronic neck pain, which can play a substantial role in the maintaining or intensifying of symptoms in these patients [3,4]
There were no significant differences between groups in any of the demographic characteristics and clinical variables
Summary
Neck pain that lasts for three months or more is determined as chronic neck pain. The mechanism of nonspecific neck pain is still not clearly understood. While neck pain as etiology is multifactorial and includes working conditions, sedentary lifestyle, postural abnormalities, previous trauma to the neck region and altered neuromuscular control of cervical muscles are the main risk factors for nonspecific neck pain stated in the literature [1]. Changes in scapular posture and muscle activation patterns are cited as potential risk factors for chronic neck pain (CNP) [1]. An altered kinematic of the scapula may be present in subjects with chronic neck pain, which can play a substantial role in the maintaining or intensifying of symptoms in these patients [3,4]. The underlying mechanisms in the relationship between altered scapular kinematics and CNP may be due to changes in the length–tension relationships of muscles that connect the scapula, head, cervical spine and chest.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
