Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of forward head posture correction on pain
and nerve root function in cases of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy. DESIGN: A
randomized controlled study with six months follow-up.
SETTING: University
research laboratory. SUBJECTS: Ninety-six patients with unilateral lower cervical
spondylotic radiculopathy
(C5-C6 and C6-C7) and craniovertebral angle measured
less than or equal to 50 degrees were randomly assigned to an exercise or a
control group. INTERVENTIONS: The control group (n = 48) received ultrasound and
infrared radiation, whereas the exercise group (n = 48) received a posture
corrective exercise programme in addition to ultrasound and infrared radiation.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The peak-to-peak amplitude of dermatomal somatosensory
evoked potentials, craniovertebral angle, visual analogue scale were measured for
all patients at three intervals (before treatment, after 10 weeks of treatment,
and at follow-up of six months). RESULTS: There was a significant difference
between groups adjusted to baseline value of outcome at 10 weeks post-treatment
for craniovertebral angle, pain, C6 and C7 peak-to-peak amplitude of dermatomal
somatosensory evoked potentials P = 0.000, 0.01, 0.000, 0.001 respectively and at
follow-up for all previous variables (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Forward head
posture correction using a posture corrective exercise programme in addition to
ultrasound and infrared radiation decreased pain and craniovertebral angle and
increased the peak-to-peak amplitude of dermatomal somatosensory evoked
potentials for C6 and C7 in cases of lower cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI