Neck Pain And Disability Scale Research Articles

The effect of mulligan mobilization technique application in addition to conventional physiotherapy on pain and joint range of motion in people with neck pain

BackgroundTo evaluate the effect of the Mulligan mobilization technique on pain intensity and range of motion in individuals with neck pain. MethodsForty individuals with mechanical neck pain were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly divided into 2 groups and a total of 10 sessions of treatment were administered to all 2 groups for 2 weeks, 5 days a week. Mulligan mobilization technique, electrophysical agents, active range of motion, and stretching exercises were carried out in the Mulligan group. In contrast, only electrophysical agents and exercises were applied to the conventional physiotherapy group. Range of motion (ROM) of the neck, Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS), and Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were used for evaluation. ResultsStatistical analyses were done to compare the amounts at the baseline and immediately after treatment. Statistically significant improvements were found in the post-treatment ROM, VAS, NPDS values in both groups (p < 0.05). When the differences were compared, the results of the Mulligan group were significantly better than the conventional physiotherapy group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of SF-36 parameters (p > 0.05). ConclusionsThis study showed that the Mulligan mobilization technique plus conventional physiotherapy is more effective than conventional physiotherapy in increasing joint range of motion, reducing pain, and reducing neck disability. Trial registratonClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05074576).

Simplified Chinese version of the core outcome measures index (COMI) for patients with neck pain: cross-cultural adaptation and validation.

The aim of this study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the Core Outcome Measures Index for (COMI) into a Simplified Chinese version (COMI-SC) and to evaluate the reliability and validity of COMI-SC in patients with neck pain. The COMI-neck was translated into Chinese according to established methods. The COMI-neck questionnaire was then completed by 122 patients with a hospital diagnosis of neck pain. Reliability was assessed by calculating Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Construct validity was assessed by correlating the COMI-neck with the Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS), the Neck Disability Index (NDI), the VAS and the Short Form (36) Health Survey (SF-36). Using confirmatory factor analysis to validate the structural, convergent and discriminant validity of the questionnaire. The COMI-neck total scores were well distributed, with no floor or ceiling effects. Internal consistency was excellent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.861). Moderate to substantial correlations were found between COMI-neck and NPDS (r = 0.420/0.416/0.437, P < 0.001), NDI (r = 0.890, P < 0.001), VAS (r = 0.845, P < 0.001), as well as physical function (r = - 0.989, P < 0.001), physical role (r = - 0.597, P < 0.001), bodily pain (r = - 0. 639, P < 0.001), general health (r = - 0.563, P < 0.001), vitality (r = - 0.702, P < 0.001), social functioning (r = - 0.764, P < 0.001), role emotional (r = - 0.675, P < 0.001) and mental health (r = - 0.507, P < 0.001) subscales of the SF-36. An exploratory factor analysis revealed that the 3-factor loading explained 71.558% of the total variance [Kaiser-Mayer-Olkin (KMO) = 0.780, C2 = 502.82, P < 0.001]. CMIN/DF = 1.813, Tucker-Lewis index (TLI) = 0.966 (> 0.9), Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.982 (> 0.9), Normed Fit Index (NFI) = 0.961 (> 0.9), RMSEA = 0.082 (< 0.5) indicating that the model fits well. COMI-neck was shown to have acceptable reliability and validity in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain and could be recommended for patients in mainland China. Diagnostic: individual cross-sectional studies with consistently applied reference standard and blinding.

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of the Northwick park neck pain questionnaire to Urdu language

BackgroundDespite its widespread use for assessing pain and disability in patients suffering from neck pain, the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) has yet to be translated and validated in Urdu. The purpose of the present study was to translate and cross-culturally adapt the NPQ into Urdu language (NPQ-U), and to investigate the NPQ-U’s psychometric properties in patients with non-specific neck pain (NSNP).MethodsThe NPQ was translated and cross-culturally adapted into Urdu in accordance with the previously described guidelines. The study included 150 NSNP patients and 50 healthy participants. The NPQ-U, Urdu version of neck disability index (NDI-U), neck pain and disability scale (NPDS), and numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) were completed by all participants on first visit. After three weeks of physical therapy, the patients completed all of the questionnaires listed above, along with the global rating of change scale. Test-retest reliability was determined on 46 randomly selected patients who completed the NPQ-U again two days after the first response. The NPQ-U was evaluated for internal consistency, content validity, construct (convergent and discriminative) validity, factor analysis, and responsiveness.ResultsThe NPQ-U demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (intra-class correlation coefficient = 0.96) and high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.89). There were no floor or ceiling effects for the NPQ-U total score, indicating good content validity. A single factor was extracted, which explained 54.56% of the total variance. For convergent validity, the NPQ-U showed a strong correlation with NDI-U (r = 0.89, P < 0.001), NPDS (r = 0.71, P < 0.001), and NPRS (r = 0.73, P < 0.001). The results revealed a significant difference between patients and healthy controls in the NPQ-U total scores (P < 0.001) demonstrating significant discriminative validity. A significant difference in the NPQ-U change scores between the stable and the improved groups (P < 0.001) confirmed its responsiveness. Furthermore, the NPQ-U change score showed a moderate correlation with NPDS change score (r = 0.60, P < 0.001) and NPRS change score (r = 0.68, P < 0.001), but a strong correlation with NDI-U change score (r = 0.75, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe NPQ-U is a reliable, valid, and responsive tool for assessing neck pain and disability in Urdu-speaking patients with NSNP.

Translation and validation of the Urdu version of the neck pain and disability scale

Purpose To translate and cross-culturally adapt the neck pain and disability scale (NPDS) into Urdu language (NPDS-U), and to investigate the NPDS-U’s psychometric properties in patients with non-specific neck pain (NSNP). Methods The NPDS was translated and cross-culturally adapted into Urdu in accordance with the previously described guidelines. The study included 200 NSNP patients and 50 healthy participants. The NPDS-U, Urdu version of neck disability index (NDI-U), neck Bournemouth questionnaire (NBQ), and numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) were completed by all participants. After three weeks of physiotherapy, the patients completed all of the above-mentioned questionnaires, along with the global rating of change scale. Reliability, factor analysis, validity, and responsiveness were all tested. Results The NPDS-U demonstrated excellent test-retest reliability (ICC2,1=0.92) and high internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.96). There were no floor or ceiling effects. A three-factor structure was extracted, which explained 70.42% of the total variance. The NPDS-U showed moderate to strong correlations with NPRS, NDI-U, and NBQ (r = 0.67–0.76, p < 0.001). A significant difference in the NPDS-U change scores between the stable and the improved groups (p < 0.001) confirmed its responsiveness. Conclusion The NPDS-U is a reliable, valid, and responsive scale for assessing neck pain and disability in Urdu-speaking patients with NSNP.

Investigation of the predictors of temporomandibular disorders in engineers across different variables: sociodemographic characteristics, neck pain and neck awareness

Purpose/Aim This study aimed to investigate the predictors of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in desk-bound engineers. Materials and Methods The Fonseca Anamnestic Index (FAI), The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), The Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS), Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire (NBQ) and The Fremantle Neck Awareness Questionnaire-Turkish (FreNAQ-T) were used for TMD severity, pain, disability, neck awareness. Results The study was conducted with 208 desk-bound engineers. Mild-to-severe TMD was detected in 78.9% of the subjects. Intensity of pain at rest and during activity was higher in female engineers compared to male engineers (p = 0.002 and <0.01, respectively) and mean FAI, NBQ, NPDS and FreNAQ-T scores were also higher than that of male engineers (p = 0.005, 0.005, 0.006 and 0.016, respectively). FAI, VAS, NPDS, NBQ and FreNAQ-T were found to be correlated with each other (p < 0.05). A statistically significant contribution to the regression model was observed for the variables gender, daily duration of computer use, neck pain at rest, and NBQ (p = 0.043, p = 0.043, p = 0.031 and p = 0.003, respectively). NBQ was identified as the most influential variable in this model, followed by neck pain at rest. Conclusions Temporomandibular disorders are common among desk-bound engineers and are associated with neck pain, disability, and neck awareness. For this reason, it is important to take preventive and protective ergonomic approaches at the personal and institutional levels in desk-bound engineers.

Cross-cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Validation of the Hindi Version of the Neck Disability Index in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain.

Translation and Psychometric Testing. To cross-culturally adapt the Neck Disability Index into the Hindi language, the local language of India, and to investigate the psychometric properties of the NDI-Hindi (NDI-H) version in patients with neck pain. The Neck Disability Index (NDI) is the most used self-reported outcome measure for neck pain. The previous NDI-H version did not obtain advance permission from MAPI to translate this scale. As a result, this scale's availability is limited. Following established guidelines, the NDI was translated and culturally adapted into Hindi. A total of 120 chronic neck pain patients (20 for cognitive Interviews and 100 for psychometric testing) participated in this study. The content validity, construct validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and responsiveness of the NDI-H were all evaluated. The Intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was computed to determine test-retest reliability. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. The NDI's factor structure was investigated using principal component factor analysis. The Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and Anxiety and Depression scales were used to test criterion validity. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to determine the cut-off point and the area under the curve. The NDI-H demonstrated good test-retest reliability (ICC=0.92) and excellent internal consistency (Cronbach alpha =0.90). The one-factor structure was revealed by the factor analysis. The NDI has a strong relationship with the NPDS and NPRS, as well as the anxiety and depression scales. The cut-point for detecting a change was 9.3. The NDI was successfully translated into Hindi in this study. The NDI-H is a reliable and valid and responsive instrument that can be used to treat patients with chronic neck pain in clinical and research settings.

The effectiveness of deep tissue massage on pain, trigger point, disability, range of motion and quality of life in individuals with myofascial pain syndrome

Purpose This study aims to examine the effect of deep tissue massage (DTM) on the myofascial trigger point (MTrP) number, neck range of motion (ROM), pain, disability and quality of life in patients with Myofacial pain syndrome (MPS). Methods The study involved patients with MPS between the ages of 20-57. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: the control group (n = 40) and the study group (n = 40). Transcutaneous Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (TENS), hotpack and ultrasound were applied to 40 patients in the control group. The study group was also administered DTM for 12 sessions in addition to TENS, hotpack and ultrasound applications. Neck pain and disability scale (NPDS) for a neck disability, universal goniometer for neck ROM, MTrP count using manual palpation, Short Form 36 (SF-36) for quality of life and severity of neck pain were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS). All patients were evaluated before and after treatment. Results It was found that the DTM group has statistically more improvement than the control group for VAS, NPDS and SF-36. Moreover, although there was a significant improvement in favour of the study group for extension, lateral flexion, right rotation and left rotation in the neck ROM, there was no significant difference in flexion measurements between the study and control group. Conclusion In addition to the traditional rehabilitation program, DTM is effective on neck ROM, pain, disability and quality of life. Therefore, DTM treatment is a safe and inexpensive treatment method that can be applied in patients with MPS.

Comparison of the Effect of Therapeutic Exercise Protocol With and Without Kinesiotype and Manual Therapy on Pain and Disability and Muscle Function of Men With Cervicogenic Headache

Background and Aims Headache is one of the most common problems in adults and almost 47% of the world's population suffer from some kind of headache. High percentage of these headaches come from neck muscles these are called cervicogenic headaches. The purpose of this study is Comparison of the effect of comprehensive therapeutic protocol with and without manual treatment and kinesiotaping on pain and disability, postural and electrical activity of some neck muscles in men with non-traumatic cervicogenic headache. Methods 43 men aged 35 to 55 years with non-traumatic cervicogenic headache were selected for this study and randomly divided into four groups.Forward head angle, pain and disability and power of neck superficial muscle activation measured by using the photogrammetry, neck pain and disability scale (NPDS) and surface electromyography respectively in pre-test and after six weeks in post-test. Statistical methods, Shapiro-wilk and then repeated measures ANOVA and one-way ANOVA and paired t-test, repeated measure variance and finally and Bonferroni were used (α≤0.05). Results The results showed a significant decrease in pain and disability, forward head angle and also a decrease in the activity of the superficial neck muscles in the experimental groups after six weeks of intervention. (P=0.00). Comparing the above three experimental groups, the comprehensive exercise therapy group with manual therapy had the highest statistical significance in reducing pain and disability, reducing the angle of head forward and reducing the activity of superficial neck muscles. (P=0.00). Conclusion comprehensive exercise therapy intervention with manual therapy had the greatest effect on improving the symptoms of men with non-thromatic cervicogenic headache.

Investigating the impacts of working at home among office workers with neck pain on health status, depression and sleep quality during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objective. This study aimed to assess the effect of workplace and ergonomic features on neck pain intensity, sleep problems, depression and health status in office workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. One-hundred and thirty-nine office workers with neck pain aged 18–55 years were enrolled in the study. Sociodemographic features including ergonomic features of the workplace were evaluated. The Beck depression inventory (BDI), Nottingham health profile (NHP), Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and neck pain and disability scale (NPDS) were administered to all participants. Results. All participants were grouped based on workplace into Group 1 (working in office, n = 84) and Group 2 (working at home, n = 55). There was a statistically significant difference between the groups according to the rate of absence of back support and flexible back (respectively p = 0.020 and p = 0.029). The neck pain and disability index (NPDI) scores of the participants who work with a computer for >3 h without a break was higher in Group 2 than in Group 1, and the differences between groups were statistically significant (p = 0.001). Conclusions. The health-related quality of life was worse and neck pain intensity was severe in the working at home group than in the working in office group. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT05074407.

The effects of neck, core, and combined stabilization practices on pain, disability, and improvement of the neck range of motion in elderly with chronic non-specific neck pain.

Chronic non-specific neck pain is the most prevalent neck pain with notable impacts on the quality of life in the elderly. The impacts of the neck, core, and combined stabilization practices on pain, disability, and improvement of the neck range of motion in the elderly with chronic non-specific neck pain were examined. A quasi-experimental (open label) study was carried out through a cluster sampling in two phases in Tehran-Iran in 2017. Totally, 102 patients were randomly allocated to three groups of specific neck stabilization, specific core stabilization, and combined practices through envelope method. The intervention took 12 weeks. To measure the severity of pain and neck disability, the visual analog scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), and neck pain and disability scale (NPDS) was used. A goniometer was used to measure the range of the motion. To examine data, used SPSS (v.20). The results, confirmed a significant decrease in pain over the time in the three therapeutic groups (p = 0.000). In addition, there was a significant difference between neck, core, and combined stabilization groups. Moreover, there was a significant increase in the angle of motion in all treatment groups with different treatment duration (P = 0.000). The highest increase in the angle of motion was after 12 weeks of practice in right lateral flexion (RLF) (p = 0.000). Twelve sessions of the neck, core, and combined stabilization practices can alleviate the pain and improve the strength in the elderly with chronic non-specific neck pain. In addition, compared to two other methods, the combined method was a more efficient way to improve the range of motion in patients.

Assessment of the responsiveness of four scales in geriatric patients with chronic neck pain.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the responsiveness of Copenhagen Neck Functional Disability Scale (CNFDS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Neck Bournemouth Questionnaire (NBQ), Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS) in geriatric patients with non-specific chronic neck pain. A total of 52 geriatric patients with non-specific chronic neck pain were included in the present study. All participants were included in a physical therapy and rehabilitation program for five sessions per week that lasted 3 weeks. All participants were evaluated before and after the treatment. Pain and disability were assessed with the Visual Analog Scale-pain (VAS-pain), VAS-disability, muscle spasm, CNFDS, NDI, NBQ, NPDS scales. Additionally, patient satisfaction scores were questioned both before and after the treatment. Following the 3-week physical therapy and rehabilitation program, significant improvements were detected in the VAS-pain, VAS-disability, muscle spasm, CNFDS, NDI, NBQ, and NPDS scores (p < 0.05). Responsiveness values were found to be as follows: CNFDS [effect size (ES) = 0.78; standardized response mean (SRM) = 0.90], NDI (ES = 0.66; SRM = 1.18), NBQ (ES = 0.82; SRM = 0.97) and NPDS (ES = 0.87; SRM = 0.98). Our study demonstrated that CNFDS, NDI, NBQ, and NPDS are responsive scales in determining treatment-related changes in geriatric patients with non-specific neck pain. These results also suggest that all of these four scales can be used in the assessment of treatment induced changes in geriatric patients with chronic neck pain.

The Comparison of The Efficacy of Photobiomodulation and Ultrasound in the Treatment of Chronic Non-specific Neck Pain: A Randomized Single-Blind Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Chronic neck pain is a common complaint among office workers. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of a high-intensity laser and physiotherapy in office workers who were diagnosed with chronic non-specific neck pain. Methods: This study was a single-blind randomized controlled trial, with parallel allocation. Sixty office workers with chronic neck pain, aged between 25 and 55 years, participated in the study. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: photobiomodulation (by a high-level laser) and physiotherapy. Visual analogue scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS) and Bournemouth Questionnaire (BQN) were completed on three occasions (before, immediately and 2 weeks after the intervention) to assess and compare the efficacy of the high-intensity laser and physiotherapy in neck pain. Data were analyzed by SPSS 23 software using the chi-square test, Student's t test, multivariate tests, and Fisher's exact test. Results: The mean age of the participants was 37.53±9.52 and 41.16±7.85 years in physiotherapy and laser therapy respectively. The VAS score and NDI scores decreased after both kinds of interventions, and the effect of photobiomodulation was significantly higher than physiotherapy (P < 0.001). Both treatment modalities significantly affect different aspects of chronic neck pain assessed by NDPS and BQN questionnaires and the effect of photobiomodulation was more prominent than physiotherapy. Conclusion: The findings of this study showed that photobiomodulation and physiotherapy can reduce chronic neck pain and its different aspects and the effect of laser therapy was significantly higher than physiotherapy.

Effectiveness and Safety of Polydioxanone Thread Embedding Acupuncture Compared to Physical Therapy in the Treatment of Patients with Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain: An Assessor-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled, Clinical Trial.

BackgroundThread embedding acupuncture (TEA) has recently been used as a conservative treatment method for non-specific chronic neck pain (CNP). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of TEA compared to physical therapy (PT) for treating patients with CNP.MethodsA total of 128 patients diagnosed with CNP were randomly assigned to a TEA group and a PT group at a 1:1 ratio. The TEA group received four sessions of TEA, while the PT group received eight sessions of PT over 4 weeks. Outcomes were assessed using Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS), clinically important difference (CID), cervical spinal angle, Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), and EuroQol Five-Dimension (EQ-5D) at baseline and 5, 9, and 13 weeks.ResultsThe TEA group showed significant improvement in NPDS compared to the PT group at 5, 9, and 13 weeks. Proportions of patients with decreased NPDS scores of more than 11.5 points (minimal CID) were significantly higher in the TEA group at 5, 9, and 13 weeks. There were significant differences between the two groups at 5, 9, and 13 weeks for BDI-II, and at 5 and 9 weeks for BAI. For EQ-5D, the TEA group showed significant improvement at 5, 9, and 13 weeks. There was no significant difference in cervical spinal angle between the two groups. For PGIC, better improvement was observed at 9 and 13 weeks in the TEA group. Adverse events associated with interventions were mostly temporary and mild.ConclusionFor patients with CNP, TEA treatment was found to be more effective than PT treatment for improving their pain and dysfunction, quality of life, and psychological distress. Despite some post-treatment discomfort, TEA treatment can be considered as a useful treatment method for patients with CNP.Trial RegistrationThis trial has been registered 5 April 2019 in Clinical Research Information Service of South Korea (CRIS- KCT0003720).

A comparison of dry needling and kinesiotaping therapies in myofascial pain syndrome: A randomized clinical study.

Objectives This study aims to compare the effectiveness of dry needling (DN) and kinesiotaping (KT) therapies on pain, quality of life, depression, and physical function in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome (MPS).Patients and methods The study included a total of 60 patients (4 males, 56 females; mean age 31.2±9.8 years; range, 18 to 56 years) diagnosed with MPS between January 2014 and June 2014. The patients were randomly divided into two treatment groups: the DN group (n=30) and KT group (n=30). Both groups performed stretching and postural exercises. The scales used for measurements were the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, a pressure algometer for the pressure-pain threshold, the Short Form-36 (SF-36) for the quality of life, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) for depression, and the Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS) for physical function. The patients were evaluated by a single assessor three times: pre-treatment, at the end of the treatment, and two months after the treatment.Results Both DN and KT provided significant improvements for all baseline measurements (VAS, pressure pain threshold, all subscales of SF-36, BDI, and NPDS scores) at the end of the treatment and two months after the treatment (p<0.05). However, there was no significant difference between the groups in all measurements (p>0.05).ConclusionKinesiotaping is as an effective method as DN in the treatment of MPS. It can be served as a non-invasive alternative to patients with needle phobia.

Acupuncture is as Effective as Exercise for Improvement of Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: Exercise therapy is a standard method used for alleviation of chronic neck pain (CNP). However, few studies have compared the efficacy of acupuncture to exercise therapy on functional improvement and pain reduction. Acupuncture will cause more pain relief and functional improvement compared to exercise therapy in the patients with CNP. Methods: A randomized clinical trial was conducted in Rasool-e-Akram Hospital from September 2017 to October 2018. A total of 68 patients with CNP were randomized to receive either exercise therapy or acupuncture. Clinical outcome was documented at baseline, after 6 and 12 weeks based on the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS). Results: In patients treated with acupuncture, mean NPDS and NDI values were 56.309 and 20.35, respectively. In patients undergoing physical therapy these values were 52.912 and 21.50, respectively. No significant difference in pain and function was observed between the two groups at the final follow-up (P &gt; 0.05). Likewise, neck pain and function improved significantly in both groups at the follow-up points (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusions: In the patients with CNP and radicular neck pain, acupuncture and exercise therapy were equally effective on pain reduction and functional improvement.

Comparison of high-intensity laser therapy and combination of ultrasound treatment and transcutaneous nerve stimulation on cervical pain associated with cervical disc herniation: A randomized trial

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) and a combination of transcutaneous nerve stimulation (TENS) and ultrasound (US) treatment on pain, range of motion (ROM) and functional activity on cervical pain associated with cervical disc herniation (CDH).A total of 40 patients (22 women and 18 men) affected by CDH were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups. In group 1 (20 subjects), patients received 20 sessions of HILT plus exercise, while in group 2 (20 subjects), a combination of US, TENS and exercise were applied.The outcomes were cervical segment ROM, pain level measured by visual analogue scale (VAS), and functional activity measured by neck pain and disability scale (NPADS) before and after the therapy. The level of statistical significance was set as p < 0.05.There was no difference for cervical ROM, VAS and NPADS values between the groups at the baseline (p> 0.05). After the treatment, cervical ROM, VAS and NPADS values were significantly improved in both groups (p < 0.05). When the groups were compared in terms of post treatment VAS, NPADS and ROM values, no statistical significance was found between the two groups (p> 0.05).Both of therapeutic modalities demonstrated analgesic efficacy and improved the function in patients affected by CDH after 4 weeks of therapy (total 20 treatment sessions in 5 days a week).Both the HILT plus exercise program and the TENS / US plus exercise program were found to be effective in improving cervical range of motion and quality of life by reducing pain. These two treatment programs have similar effects in the treatment of cervical pain associated with CDH and can be used as an alternative to each other in clinical applications. However; It is clear that futher studies are needed to investigate the principles of application of HILT to painful areas or tissues (amount of area applied, dose applied, energy delivered, number of pulses, duration of session, frequency of sessions) and to exclude the effects of exercise treatment on the results of both treatment groups.

Reliability and validity of the Turkish version of the Core Outcome Measures Index for the neck pain.

The Core Outcome Measures Index (COMI) is a short and multidimensional scale covering all domains recommended to be included in outcome measures for patients with neck pain. The purpose of the present study was to translate and cross culturally adapt the COMI into Turkish and to test its reliability and validity in patients with neck pain. One hundred and six patients with a complaint of chronic neck pain (> 3months) were enrolled in the present study. Participants completed a questionnaire booklet containing the COMI-neck, Neck Disability Index (NDI), Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS), Short Form-36 (SF-36), and pain Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). The validation of the COMI included the assessment of its construct validity and reliability. Cronbach's alpha value of the questionnaire was found to be 0.774 indicating a high internal consistency. Intraclass correlation coefficient values for test-retest reliability were found to be in the range of 0.817-0.986, which indicates a sufficient level of test-retest reliability. Pearson's correlation coefficient values of the COMI with SF-36, NDI, NPDS, and NRS ranged between 0.417 and 0.700, indicating a good correlation. Considering the analyses, it was concluded that the Turkish version of the COMI is a valid and reliable scale for chronic neck pain patients. These slides can be retrieved under Electronic Supplementary Material.

Effectiveness and safety of polydioxanone thread embedding acupuncture compared to physical therapy in the treatment of patients with non-specific chronic neck pain

As the number of patients who suffer from non-specific chronic neck pain (CNP) is increasing in the Republic of Korea, conservative treatments for patients with CNP have been spotlighted. Although several studies on thread embedding acupuncture (TEA) treatment have been published for the treatment of such patients, no randomized controlled trial has been reported that investigates the effectiveness and safety of the TEA treatment compared with other conservative treatments for the treatment of patients with CNP. Therefore, the purpose of this trial is to compare the effectiveness and safety of TEA to those of physical therapy (PT) for the treatment of patients with CNP. This study is planned as a parallel design, randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded, clinical study. One hundred twenty-eight patients diagnosed with CNP will be randomly assigned to either the TEA group or the PT group in a 1:1 ratio. Participants in the TEA group will receive 4 sessions of TEA treatment, while those in the PT group will receive 8 sessions of PT treatment over 4 weeks. An assessment of effectiveness based on the outcomes of the Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS), cervical spinal angle, Beck Depression Inventory II (BDI-II), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Patient Global Impression of Change (PGIC), EuroQol-Five Dimension 3 level version (EQ-5D-3L), and Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) will be conducted at baseline, and at 5, 9, and 13 weeks. The primary outcome is the mean change in the NPDS at 9 weeks. Adverse events (AEs) will be recorded at every visit. The results of this study will be expected to provide useful information for the effectiveness and safety of TEA treatment compared to PT treatment for patients with CNP. Clinical Research Information Service of Republic of Korea (CRIS- KCT0003720), April 5, 2019.

Possible Role of Myopia as a Risk Factor for Mechanical Neck Pain in Medical Students: A Pilot Study

Background: Mechanical neck pain (MNP) is a common health concern. Some studies suggested a relationship between neck pain and visual activity. We assessed the role of myopia as a contributing factor in the development of chronic MNP. Materials and Methods: All medical students at Shiraz University School of Medicine, who were 18 to 22 years old, were invited to participate in this retrospective case-control study from March 2016 to March 2017. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) was used to assess the average neck pain severity over the past 6 months in order to enroll participants as the case (≥3) or control (&lt;3) groups. Demographic data and medical profile were obtained. After identifying eligible cases, we assigned age- and sex-matched controls, who also met the study criteria. Subsequently, participants completed the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS) questionnaires and were evaluated for myopia severity. Variables were compared between the case and control groups as well as within the case group. P-value&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: From over 700 medical students, around 150 cooperated. Eventually, 31 eligible cases (and 31 controls) were studied. NDI and NPDS were significantly higher in the case group (P&lt;0.001). However, no significant differences were noticed between the groups regarding the severity (P=0.123) and the duration (P=0.417) of myopia. Also, the correlation of myopia severity with NDPS (ρ=0.159, P=0.216) and NDI (ρ=0.201, P=0.116) was non-significant within the case group. Conclusion: Our findings have not supported the influential role of myopia in the development of chronic MNP. [GMJ.2019;8:e1287]

Possible Role of Myopia as a Risk Factor for Mechanical Neck Pain in Medical Students: A Pilot Study

Background: Mechanical neck pain (MNP) is a common health concern. Some studies suggested a relationship between neck pain and visual activity. We assessed the role of myopia as a contributing factor in the development of chronic MNP. Materials and Methods: All medical students attended Shiraz University School of Medicine, who were 18 to 22 years old, were invited to participate in this retrospective case-control study from March 2016 to March 2017. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) was used to assess the average neck pain severity over the past 6 months in order to enroll participants as the case (≥3) or control (&lt;3) groups. Demographic data and medical profile were obtained. After identifying eligible cases, we assigned age- and sex-matched controls, who also met the study criteria. Subsequently, participants completed the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS) questionnaires and were evaluated for myopia severity. Variables were compared between the case and control groups as well as within the case group. P-value&lt;0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: From over 700 medical students, around 150 cooperated. Eventually, 31 eligible cases (and 31 controls) were studied. NDI and NPDS were significantly higher in the case group (P&lt;0.001). However, no significant differences were noticed between the groups regarding the severity (P=0.123) and the duration (P=0.417) of myopia. Also, the correlation of myopia severity with NDPS (ρ=0.159, P=0.216) and NDI (ρ=0.201, P=0.116) was non-significant within the case group. Conclusion: Our findings have not supported the influential role of myopia in the development of chronic MNP. [GMJ.2019;In Press:e1287]