A network meta-analysis of the comparative effectiveness of different exercise modalities for non-specific neck pain

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of exercise therapy on neck pain (NP) levels, neck dysfunction, and quality of life in patients with nonspecific neck pain (NSNP), and to compare the differences between different exercise interventions, thereby providing evidence for the application of exercise therapy in NSNP management.MethodsWe implemented a comprehensive search strategy across seven databases (CNKI, Wanfang, VIP Database, Web of Science, PubMed, Elsevier, EBSCO) to retrieve randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating exercise therapy for NSNP. Network meta-analysis and literature quality assessment were performed using Stata statistical software.ResultsThe results showed that 1919 studies were jointly included, and 30 papers remained after screening. And the analytical findings demonstrated that all nine exercise modalities could reduce the pain level in patients with NSNP, and stability training significantly improved NP level in patients with NSNP (surface area under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) = 74.5). Pilates, resistance, stretch, stability, yoga, Qi gong, and Tai chi improved neck dysfunction in patients with NSNP; however, yoga was the best modality (SUCRA = 84.4). Ba Duan Jin, resistance, stretch, Qi gong, and Tai chi improved the quality of life of patients with NSNP, among which Ba Duan Jin is effective, and significantly improved the quality of life in patients with NSNP. (SUCRA = 91.1).ConclusionExercise therapy is an effective rehabilitation treatment for NSNP. Among these, Ba Duan Jin, stability and yoga training had the best effect on improving quality-of-life, NP, and neck dysfunction, respectively.