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Specificity in retraining craniocervical flexor muscle performance.
Shaun O'Leary1, Gwendolen Jull, Mehwa Kim
1Division of Physiotherapy, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. s.oleary@shrs.uq.edu.au
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
|February 9, 2007
Summary
Both craniocervical flexion exercise (CCFEx) and conventional cervical flexion exercise (CFEx) programs effectively improve neck muscle performance in individuals with chronic neck pain. No significant differences were found between the two exercise approaches.
Area of Science:
- Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation
- Musculoskeletal Health
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Craniocervical flexor muscles are crucial for cervical spine stability and are often impaired in individuals with chronic neck pain.
- Current exercise protocols, including craniocervical flexion exercise (CCFEx) and conventional cervical flexion exercise (CFEx), aim to train these muscles, but optimal methods remain debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy of a craniocervical flexion exercise (CCFEx) program versus a conventional cervical flexion exercise (CFEx) program in enhancing isometric craniocervical flexor muscle performance.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 50 females with chronic mild neck pain.
- Participants were assigned to a 6-week CCFEx or CFEx program.
- Isometric dynamometry assessed craniocervical flexor muscle performance (maximal voluntary contraction and endurance) pre- and post-intervention.
Main Results:
- Both CCFEx and CFEx interventions led to significant improvements in isometric craniocervical flexor muscle performance (P<.02).
- No statistically significant differences in the degree of improvement were observed between the CCFEx and CFEx groups.
Conclusions:
- Both craniocervical flexion exercise (CCFEx) and conventional cervical flexion exercise (CFEx) protocols are effective in improving isometric craniocervical flexor muscle performance in patients with mild neck pain and disability.
- The choice between CCFEx and CFEx may not significantly impact outcomes for this patient group.
