Effectivness of the exercises on pain and disability in adults with non-specific chronic neck pain
Autori:
Dubravka Šalić Herjavec, Helena Markulin, Simeon Grazio
Sažetak
Summary
Objective: Neck pain is one of the most common diseases of the locomotor system, and its lifetime prevalence has been increasing significantly over the past twenty years. Research results on the effectiveness of therapeutic exercises for neck pain are inconsistent. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic exercises on pain and disability, as well as to determine changes in the choice of therapeutic exercises in clinical practice in adults of both sexes with chronic non-specific neck pain, based on a systematic review of the literature. The results obtained will help clinicians to choose the appropriate type of exercise in the treatment of
people with chronic non-specific neck pain. Material and methods: During June 2024, a search of the databases: MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection and PEDro was conducted on the effectiveness of therapeutic exercises on pain and disability in people of both sexes aged 18–65 with chronic non-specific neck pain. We limited our search by study type (randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses) and publication period from 2004 to 2024. Results: The systematic review of the literature included 25 articles related to 24 clinical studies It was found that stabilization, strengthening and stretching exercises for the neck and shoulder girdle muscles, sensorimotor exercises, proprioceptive exercises and complementary exercises (Pilates/Yoga/Tai Chi/Qigong) showed a positive effect on pain and disability. The effectiveness of newer methods, kinematic training and interactive virtual reality devices, which have also recently been used in rehabilitation for about 10 years, and exercises performed at home with video or online supervision, primarily introduced during the restrictions on physical accessibility during the COVID-19 pandemic, has also been confirmed. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, numerous types of therapeutic exercises are effective, but no type of exercise has proven superior to others. The selection of the appropriate type of exercise for adults with chronic nonspecific neck pain should be aligned with the patient’s clinical status, the availability of specific therapeutic exercises, and the personal preferences of the patient and/or physician.