Effects of spinal manipulation combined with cervical kinetic chain training on neck muscle function in cervical...

Neck muscle dysfunction is associated with cervical vertigo. This study evaluated the clinical effect of "Spinal Manipulation Combined with Cervical Kinetic Chain Training" on neck muscle function in cervical vertigo.

Data were collected from August 2023 to October 2024. 50 cervical vertigo patients were divided into a test group (n = 25) receiving spinal manipulation combined with cervical kinetic chain training, and a control group (n = 25) receiving conventional treatment. Assessments at baseline included vertigo severity (Visual Analog Scale, VAS; Dizziness Handicap Inventory, DHI), cervical muscle magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and Shear Wave Elastography (SWE). Follow-ups at 4 weeks repeated VAS, DHI, and SWE. At 12 weeks, vertigo severity and muscle strength were assessed, with the test group undergoing repeat MRI.

DHI and VAS scores decreased significantly in both groups at 4 and 12 weeks compared to baseline. At 12 weeks, scores in the test group were significantly lower than at 4 weeks (P = 0.003), whereas the control group showed no difference (P_DHI = 0.677; P_VAS = 0.885). The test group's DHI was significantly lower than the control group's at 12 weeks (P = 0.001), and its VAS was lower at both 4 and 12 weeks. SWE showed the elastic modulus of bilateral splenius capitis muscles increased in the control group at 4 weeks (P left = 0.032; P right = 0.033), but remained unchanged in the test group (P > 0.05). At 4 weeks, the test group had a significantly lower elastic modulus in the right splenius capitis and obliquus capitis inferior than the control group (Right musculus splenius capitis, P = 0.031; Right obliquus capitis inferior, P = 0.031). At 12 weeks, the test group demonstrated a significant increase in the cross-sectional area (CSA) and oblique diameter compared to pre-treatment, the test group showed significant improvements in all the aforementioned metrics compared to baselines. The test group's muscle strength of all directions were significantly better to those of control group.

Spinal Manipulation Combined with Cervical Training enhances neck muscle strength, reduces suboccipital muscle tension compared to traditional treatment, and is an effective treatment for cervical vertigo.

https://www.chictr.org.cn/, Identifier ChiCTR2300075144.