Background Chronic neck pain affects a significant percentage of the adult population. Commonly, the pain is of unknown origin. In those cases, some alterations in motor control (MC) can appear in the deep cervical muscles. The specific training of these muscles could improve muscular function and reduce pain and disability. Objective To determine whether MC, using cranio-cervical flexion (CCF), is more effective than other treatments for non-specific chronic neck pain (NSCNP). Design Systematic review with meta-analysis. Methods A search was done in journals and in a variety of databases, between December 2017 and March 2018. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) and systematic reviews of RCTs comparing MC with other treatments in adults with NSCNP, regarding pain and disability, were included. Risk of bias was analysed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Data was analysed using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2statistic. The quality of the evidence was measured using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach. Results Ten articles were included for qualitative review; nine were used for a quantitative analysis about the effect of MC on pain and eight for the analysis regarding disability. The meta-analysis comparing MC versus other treatments showed significant differences regarding pain and disability. Conclusions MC interventions for NSCNP patients reduces pain and disability. MC seems to be more effective to reduce pain and disability than other treatments.

Motor control using cranio-cervical flexion exercises versus other treatments for non-specific chronic neck pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Chronic neck pain is one of today's most prevalent pathologies. The International Classification of Diseases categorizes four subgroups based on patients' associated symptoms. However, this classification does not encompass upper cervical spine dysfunction. The aim is to compare the short- and mid-term effectiveness of adding a manual therapy approach to a cervical exercise protocol in patients with chronic neck pain and upper cervical spine dysfunction. Fifty-eight subjects with chronic neck pain and upper cervical spine dysfunction were recruited (29 = Manual therapy + Exercise; 29 = Exercise). Each group received four 20-min sessions, one per week during four consecutive weeks, and a home exercise regime. Upper flexion and flexion-rotation test range of motion, neck disability index, craniocervical flexion test, visual analogue scale, pressure pain threshold, global rating of change scale, and adherence to self-treatment were assessed at the beginning, end of the intervention and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. The Manual therapy + Exercise group statistically improved short- and medium-term in all variables compared to the Exercise group. Four 20-min sessions of Manual therapy + Exercise along with a home-exercise program is more effective in the short- to mid-term than an exercise protocol and a home-exercise program for patients with chronic neck pain and upper cervical dysfunction.

https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/17/18/6601/pdf

Does the Addition of Manual Therapy Approach to a Cervical Exercise Program Improve Clinical Outcomes for Patients with Chronic Neck Pain in Short- and Mid-Term? A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective To compare the effects of eccentric muscle energy technique versus static stretching exercises combined with cervical segmental mobilisation in the management of upper cross syndrome in patients having neck pain. Methods The randomised controlled trial was conducted at the Khan Kinetic Treatment Canada Orthopaedic and Rehabilitation Centre, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from August 2017 to January 2018, and comprised patients of upper cross syndrome who were randomized into two equal groups using lottery method. Patients in Group-A were treated with eccentric muscle energy technique with cervical segmental mobilisation, while those in Group-B received static stretching exercises with cervical segmental mobilisation. Two sessions per week for 3 weeks were given to each patient who were analysed by measuring tragus-to-wall distance, visual analogue scale and neck disability index. Cervical passive range of motion was measured using inclinometer. Data was recorded at baseline and after 3 weeks of treatment. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Results Of the 40 subjects, 20(50%) each were in the two groups. In Group-A mean age was 42.75±11.13 years. In Group-B, it was 40.50±9.14 years. Eccentric muscle energy technique and static stretching technique both showed significant results (p 0.05 each) on all parameters. Conclusions Both the techniques used were found to be equally effective in decreasing pain, improving cervical range of motion and reducing neck disability.

Effects of eccentric muscle energy technique versus static stretching exercises in the management of cervical dysfunction in upper cross syndrome: a randomized control trial.

Background: Flexion-rotation test predominantly measures rotation in C1-2 segment. Restriction in flexion-rotation may be due to direct limitation in C1-2, but also to a premature tightening of the alar ligament as a result of lack of movement in C0-1 or C2-3. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a 20-min single cervical exercise session, with or without manual therapy of C0-1 and C2-3 segment in flexion-rotation test, in patients with chronic neck pain and positive flexion-rotation test. Methods: Randomized controlled clinical trial in 48 subjects (24 manual therapy+exercise/24 exercise). Range of motion and pain during flexion-rotation test, neck pain intensity and active cervical range of motion were measured before and after the intervention. Results: Significant differences were found in favour of the manual therapy group in the flexion-rotation test: right (p < 0.001) and left rotation (p < 0.001); pain during the flexion-rotation test: right (p < 0.001) and left rotation (p < 0.001); neck pain intensity: (p < 0.001); cervical flexion (p < 0.038), extension (p < 0.010), right side-bending (p < 0.035), left side-bending (p < 0.002), right rotation (p < 0.001), and left rotation (p < 0.006). Conclusions: Addition of one C0-C1 and C2-C3 manual therapy session to cervical exercise can immediately improve flexion-rotation test and cervical range of motion and reduce pain intensity.

https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/2/753/pdf

Effects of the Manual Therapy Approach of Segments C0-1 and C2-3 in the Flexion-Rotation Test in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Objective:The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of a combined intervention of manual therapy and exercise (MET) versus usual care (UC), on disability, pain intensity and global per...

Is a combined programme of manual therapy and exercise more effective than usual care in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain? A randomized controlled trial:

The effects of neck mobilization in patients with chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To determine the effects of augmented reality (AR) interventions on the upper extremity's (UE's) range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy (SHCP). Materials and Methods: Thirty children with SHCP, aged 6 to 12 years, were randomly divided into three interventional groups. Each group received an AR game that is, Balance It, Bubble Pop, or Scoop'd (WonderTree, Pakistan). The UE's ROM and muscle strength were assessed at the baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention through goniometer and manual muscle testing, respectively. Paired-sample t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for analyzing the changes in ROM and muscle strength within the groups respectively. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test were used for the differences in ROM, whereas the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for the differences in muscle strength, between the groups. Results: Within-group analysis revealed that all the groups significantly improved in ROM of the majority of joints and in the strength of various muscles of UE (P < 0.05). The elbow extension ROM was significantly different when a comparison was made between the interventional groups (P < 0.05). Balance It group showed more significant improvement in the elbow extension ROM as compared with the Scoop'd group. However, the comparison between the groups showed no significant difference in the muscle strength of UE (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The AR games intervention was beneficial and effective for improving the ROM of majority of the joints and strength of various muscles of UE in children with SHCP. Clinical Trial Registration number: NCT04171232.

Effects of Augmented Reality Intervention on the Range of Motion and Muscle Strength of Upper Extremity in Children with Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective To determine the effects of augmented reality (AR) interventions on the function of the upper extremity (UE) and balance in children with spastic hemiplegic cerebral palsy (SHCP). Methods In total, 30 children with SHCP, aged 6 to 12 years, were randomly divided into three interventional groups. Each group received an AR game, i.e., Balance It, Bubble Pop, or Scoop'd (WonderTree, Pakistan). The UE function and balance were assessed at the baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention through the Disability of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and Pediatric Balance Scale (PBS), respectively. The mixed ANOVA was used to determine the combined with-in and between-the-groups differences in the function of the upper extremity. The Wilcoxon sign ranked test was used for with-in group changes, while the Kruskal Wallis test with the bonferroni correction post-hoc analysis was used to compare the groups in terms of balance. The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 21 and the level of significance was set at p < 0.05. Paired sample t-test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used for analyzing the changes in the total DASH and PBS scores within the groups, respectively. One-way ANOVA was used to determine the differences between the groups in the total DASH and PBS scores, while the Kruskal Wallis test was used for the differences between the groups in the PBS items. The data were analyzed by using SPSS version 21. Results All the groups improved significantly in the total DASH and PBS scores post-intervention. A significant difference was determined in standing with one foot in front between Bubble Pop and Balance It groups (p = 0.03). The total score of PBS also showed a significant difference between Bubble Pop and Balance It groups (p = 0.02). Conclusion The AR interventions used in this study were found to be effective in improving the UE function and balance of children with SHCP. The Balance It game showed more promising results in improving the balance as compared with the other games, however, no significant difference was determined between the three AR games in terms of the UE function of the participants.

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Effects of Augmented Reality Interventions on the Function of Upper Extremity and Balance in Children With Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Qamar Mahmood

Papers

The effects of neck mobilization in patients with chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial.

Effects of Augmented Reality Intervention on the Range of Motion and Muscle Strength of Upper Extremity in Children with Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Effects of Augmented Reality Interventions on the Function of Upper Extremity and Balance in Children With Spastic Hemiplegic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Clinical Trial