Do Oculomotor Exercises Added to Classical Physiotherapy Contribute to Pain Intensity, Range of Motion, Activation of Deep Flexor Muscle and Function in Participants with Chronic Neck Pain?

Authors : Cemaliye Hürer, Zafer Erden

Pages : 158-170

Doi:10.15437/jetr.1406132

View : 28 | Download : 34

Publication Date : 2024-12-19

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: This study was carried out to compare the effects of oculomotor exercises (OE) combined with a classical physiotherapy (CF) program on pain intensity, range of motion (ROM), activation of deep cervical flexor (DCF) muscles and function in patients with chronic neck pain. Methods: A total of 48 patients were equally randomized into two groups to receive CF+OE or CF. The protocol was applied for three days in a week for a total of 8 weeks with complete 24 sessions. Numeric Pain Scale used for neck pain intensity, an inclinometer for cervical ROM, biofeedback pressure unit for activation of DCF and Neck Disability Index for evaluating function. Results: Both groups experienced a significant decrease in neck pain intensity (p 0.05). A significant increase was observed in ROM values in all directions in both groups (p<0.05), difference between the groups was found in favor of CF+OE group (p<0.05). A significant increase was observed in the activation of DCF muscles and function (p<0.001) in both groups. The activation of the DCF (p<0.001) and function (p=0.020) in CF+OE group was identified to be higher than the CF. OE and CF were found to be effective in the improvement of clinical symptoms in patients with chronic neck pain. Conclusion: OE added to CF can be chosen for patients with limitation in rotational direction hence it increases activation of DCF due to its proprioceptive training content, and produces more effective results on function.
Keywords : Boyun ağrısı, Egzersiz, Eklem hareket açıklığı