Respiratory Muscle Strength Training and Pulmonary Function Changes in Subjects with Chronic Neck Pain

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic neck pain, being one of the most common complaints among many people, has led to many musculoskeletal problems with mean overall general population of approximately 23%. Patients with chronic neck pain complain of weakness and fatigue of cervical muscles, reduced cervical mobility, impaired proprioception, postural abnormalities, poor pulmonary function and psychological compromise. Chronic neck pain may lead to reduced lung volume and chest wall compliance. Respiratory pressure meter and pulmonary function test is required to measure the respiratory muscle strength and pulmonary functions, respectively. Respiratory training improves respiratory muscle strength. With the help of inspiratory muscle trainer and positive expiratory pressure, there can be improvement in the respiratory parameters of patients with chronic neck pain. As a result, whenever functions are compromised, extended rehabilitation is required for respiratory parameters. Hence this study was done to know the effect of inspiratory muscles strength, effect of expiratory muscles strength in subjects with chronic neck pain and also the changes in pulmonary functions in subjects with chronic neck pain. Methodology: A total of 40 subjects were recruited according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. Twenty subjects were allocated in control group and 20 subjects in experimental group. Both the groups were assessed for NPRS, NDI, MIP, MEP, FVC, FEV1/FVC, PEFR, SVC and MVV. Both the groups received the standard treatment for neck pain that includes interferential current therapy and stretching of neck muscles like trapezius, scalene and sternocleidomastoid. But the experimental group received additional treatment to standard treatment which included respiratory training with inspiratory muscle trainer and positive expiratory pressure. Pre and post assessments were taken. Intervention period was for about four weeks. Results: After a four-week intervention, results showed that there is a significant improvement in NPRS, NDI, MIP, MEP, SVC and MVV. But the results showed no significance for FVC, FEV1/FVC and PEFR. In intragroup, NPRS and NDI showed a significant value of p = 0.00. Whereas for MIP and MEP, it showed the same result of p = 0.00. SVC was found to be significant for the experimental group and between-group. The intergroup for MVV is p = 0.008 and that for intragroup (between-group) is p = 0.000. Conclusion: Respiratory parameters are found to be reduced in subjects with chronic neck pain. So along with standard treatment, respiratory training can be added to the rehabilitation protocol for subjects with chronic neck pain.KeywordsChronic neck painRespiratory muscle strengthPulmonary functionsRespiratory training