The effects of exercise on neuromuscular function in people with chronic neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Review written by Dr Julia Treleaven info

Key Points

  1. Cranio-cervical flexion training is effective in improving neuromuscular adaptations in those with neck pain.
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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Changes in neuromuscular function such as reduced specificity, delayed onset and changes in co-ordination are common in neck pain (1). One review determined that exercises designed to improve deep cervical muscles is superior to other exercises on improving activation, endurance and strength of these deep muscles (2). These exercises can also improve neck pain (3) but the effect of the neuromuscular adaptions to other types of exercises in those with non-specific neck pain (NSNP) has not been thoroughly explored.

This article was a systematic review of the literature to determine the effectiveness of exercises targeting the neck muscles on neuromuscular function in those with chronic NSNP. A secondary aim was to see if these changes related to improved neck pain and disability.

Changes in neuromuscular function such as reduced specificity, delayed onset and changes in co-ordination are common in neck pain.
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An important goal in rehabilitation is to prevent recurrence and improving neck neuromuscular function is likely important to achieve this goal.

METHODS

  • To be included in this review, studies in adults with NSNP were considered if they investigated the effect of exercise targeting the neck muscles for at least two weeks on cervical neuromuscular function.
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