Author(s): YANG, X., YAO, Y.J., LU, A.Q., ZHANG, H.L., ZHONG, J.Y., CHEN, J., WANG, D., Institution: SHANGHAI UNIVERSITY OF SPORT, Country: CHINA, Abstract-ID: 1985

INTRODUCTION:
Chronic neck pain (CNP) has become a prevalent musculoskeletal condition, posing a significant challenge to the global healthcare system. Sedentary lifestyles and prolonged poor posture contribute to the increasing incidence of CNP, particularly among younger population. Patients with CNP often exhibit abnormal motor control of the deep cervical flexors which are also easily fatigued even in relaxed situation. Consequently, CNP affects deep cervical flexors endurance and muscle function capacity. Although previous studies have revealed that resistance training can enhance the cervical muscle strength of patients with CNP, few studies paid attention to the motor control and function of deep cervical flexors. To investigate the effects of resistance training on disability and neck deep flexor endurance in patients with CNP.
METHODS:
Twenty-four participants with CNP were randomized into an experimental group (EG: n = 12, 24 ± 1.8 yrs, 172.6 ± 8.3 cm, 68.6 ± 10.8 kg) and a control group (CG: n = 12, 23.8 ± 2.0 yrs, 174.8 ± 7.0 cm, 67.2 ± 13.5 kg). The EG underwent neck resistance training for continuous 6 weeks. The training program was based on the 4 basic patterns of neck movement: flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. Each training session began with low-load cranio-cervical flexion to activate the deep neck muscles, and was progressed by adding hand resistance and different colored elastic bands. The CG had no intervention. Both groups were assessed at baseline and after the training: neck pain was assessed by a visual analog scale (VAS); neck function was evaluated using the self-reported neck disability index (NDI); cranio-cervical flexion test (CCFT) was conducted for deep cervical flexor endurance measurement. Two-way repeated-measures ANOVA was utilized to determine the significant changes in the aforementioned variables.
RESULTS:
Significant interactions between time and group were noted for VAS (F = 46.108, p < 0.001, η²p = 0.667); NDI score (F = 27.770, p < 0.001, η²p = 0.558); and CCFT score (F = 115.043, p < 0.001, η²p = 0.839). EG showed greater release of CNP compared to the CG.
CONCLUSION:
This study found that resistance training performed 3 times a week for 6 consecutive weeks can significantly reduced pain levels and NDI score, enhanced neck function, and improved motor control of the deep neck flexors in patients with CNP.