A Three-Arm Randomized Trial of Aerobic Training Versus High-Intensity Interval Training on Clinical and Functional...

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has become increasingly popular. However, no studies have investigated the effects of HIIT in individuals with neck pain.

This study compared the effectiveness of 8 weeks of aerobic training (AT) and HIIT as therapeutic interventions for individuals with chronic neck pain.

This is a prospective, randomized-controlled, single-blinded study. Forty-six patients with chronic neck pain were randomized to the AT, HIIT, and control groups. Aerobic (n = 13) exercise (arm ergometer) was at 70% of peak workload. HIIT (n = 15) was at 90% of peak workload. AT or HIIT was applied for 24 training sessions during 8 weeks. Pain intensity, cervical range of motion (CROM), cervical proprioception (joint position error), head posture (craniovertebral angle (CVA)) static endurance and activation of deep cervical flexor muscles (Craniocervical Flexion Test), disability (Neck Disability Index), and emotional state (Beck Depression Index (BDI), Beck Anxiety Index (BAI)) were evaluated.

Between-group differences revealed that the AT and HIIT groups exhibited lower pain and disability levels and higher CVA, endurance and activation of the deep cervical flexor muscles, and CROM values compared to the control group. HIIT group showed a significant improvement in BDI score compared to the AT group and control group, and HIIT group showed a significant increase in BAI score compared to AT group.

This study showed that AT and HIIT were similarly effective on the clinical effects of neck pain and functional disability. Both exercises can potentially be performed in individuals with neck pain according to personal factors.