Cervical and scapula-focused resistance exercise program versus trapezius massage in patients with chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial

Taewoo Kang, Beomryong Kim, Taewoo Kang, Beomryong Kim

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of resistance exercise in comparison with those of common exercise on chronic neck pain (CNP) to provide useful clinical guidelines for reducing pain or increasing cervical range of motion (ROM), upper trapezius tone, disability level, and quality of life (QOL).

Methods: The subjects were randomized into a cervical and scapula-focused resistance exercise group (CSREG, n = 21) or trapezius massage group (TMG, n = 20). All groups received a 4-week, five times per week CSRE or TM program for CNP. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score, cervical ROM, myotonometer measures (upper trapezius tone, stiffness, and elasticity), neck disability index (NDI), and short form-36 (SF-36) were identified as the primary outcomes.

Results: Within-group changes in VAS, cervical ROM, myotonometer measures, NDI, and SF-36 were significant in the CSREG and TMG (P < .05). The between-group changes in VAS, cervical rotation, myotonometer (upper trapezius tone and stiffness), NDI, and SF-36 after intervention showed significant differences between the CSREG and TMG (P < .05).

Conclusion: These results suggest that the CSRE program is effective in improving pain, cervical ROM, upper trapezius tone, disability level, and QOL in patients with CNP. More comprehensive studies with longer follow-up durations are needed to better understand the potential effects of the CSRE program in patients with CNP.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no funding and conflicts of interest to disclose.

Copyright © 2022 the Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Flowchart of the trial design.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Resistance training program: (A) chin in, (B) seated row in long sitting, (C) bent over row, (D) scapular retraction, (E) standing row, (F) seated row in sitting on chair, (G) let full down, and (H) standing chest press.

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