Effectiveness of isometric exercises on disability and pain of cervical spondylosis: a randomized controlled trial

Alireza Sadeghi, Mina Rostami, Sahand Ameri, Arezoo Karimi Moghaddam, Zhaleh Karimi Moghaddam, Alireza Zeraatchi, Alireza Sadeghi, Mina Rostami, Sahand Ameri, Arezoo Karimi Moghaddam, Zhaleh Karimi Moghaddam, Alireza Zeraatchi

Abstract

Background: Neck pain and disability is a significant public health problem with only very few evidence-based treatment option. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of isometric exercise on pain and disability of cervical spondylosis.

Methods: Twenty four patients with cervical osteoarthritis and neck pain (22 females and 2 males; mean age, 46.70 ± 13.71 years) were recruited and randomly allocated into 2 arms: neck isometric exercises (n = 12) and conservative management without exercise (n = 12). The Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPAD) were used to assess participants at baseline and after 4 weeks.

Results: Basic characteristics, NDI score and NPAD score were not significantly different between groups at baseline. The exercise arm demonstrated significantly lower scores regarding NDI (mean, 17.41 vs. 25.58; P-value = 0.035) and NPAD (mean, 25.33 vs. 66.67; P < 0.001), compared to the control arm after 4 weeks. The exercise arm also showed significant within group reduction considering NDI and NPAD scores after 4 weeks (Both, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Our findings suggested that isometric exercises might be a beneficial treatment for improving pain and disability caused by cervical spondylosis. Trial registration This study was registered at irct.ir (Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials) with the code IRCT20220206053950N1, 07.05.2022, retrospectively registered.

Keywords: Cervical spondylosis; Disability; Isometric exercise; Neck pain.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no competing interests.

© 2022. The Author(s).

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
The CONSORT flow diagram
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Between-group NPAD scores pre and post-intervention. NPAD, Neck Pain and Disability Scale
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Between-group NDI scores pre and post-intervention. NDI, Neck Disability Index

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