Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether progressive resistance training using elastic
resistance bands improves neck-related disability more than general physical
exercise in multidisciplinary rehabilitation of chronic neck pain. DESIGN:
Researcher-blinded, randomized controlled trial. METHODS:
A total of 59 patients
with non-specific, chronic neck pain (mean age 46 years, disability (Neck
Disability Index 0-100): 35.4, worst neck pain last 2 weeks (numerical pain
rating scale 0-10): 6.3) were randomized to 3-week multidisciplinary
rehabilitation including either general physical exercise or progressive
resistance training with elastic bands. Participants were instructed to continue
their respective home-based training programmes for 9 additional weeks. Outcomes
were assessed at baseline, after 3 weeks and after 12 weeks. Primary outcome was
the between-group difference in change in the Neck Disability Index from baseline
to 12 weeks. RESULTS: Thirty-four and 31 participants were followed up at 3 and
12 weeks, respectively. No between-group differences were observed, apart from a
greater increase in shoulder abduction strength for the progressive
resistance-training group at 12 weeks. CONCLUSION: This study provides no
evidence in favour of replacing general physical exercise with progressive
resistance training using elastic resistance bands in multidisciplinary
rehabilitation of chronic neck pain. We recommend clinicians to advise either of
these exercise-types, based on the patient's interests and motivation.

Langue : ANGLAIS