Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of neck stabilization exercises in the
management of neck pain. Patients and methods: Sixty patients with neck pain were
randomized to 3 groups, as follows: group 1--physical therapy agents including
transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, continuous ultrasound and infra-red
irradiation; group 2--physical therapy agents + isometric and stretching
exercises; and group 3--physical therapy agents + neck stabilization exercises.
The exercises were performed as a home training programme following a 3-week
supervised group exercise. The patients were evaluated with a visual analogue
scale, by intake of paracetamol, Neck Disability Index, Beck Depression Scale and
range of motion in the 3 planes at baseline and at months 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12.
RESULTS: Compared with baseline, all groups showed a significant decrease in
visual analogue scale scores during the first 6 months. However, this improvement
was maintained only in group 3 at 9 and 12 months, with a significant difference
among the groups (p<0.05). During the study, the improvement in disability was
marked in group 3 with respect to Neck Disability Index, Beck Depression Scale
and range of motion in the frontal plane (p<0.05).
CONCLUSION: This study
demonstrates the superiority of the neck stabilization exercises, with some
advantages in the pain and disability outcomes, compared with isometric and
stretching exercises in combination with physical therapy agents for the
management of neck pain.

Langue : ANGLAIS