The influence of home exercise programs for patients with non-specific or specific neck pain: a systematic review of the literature

Abstract

Study design: Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCT). Objectives: To examine the effects of a therapeutic home exercise program (HEP) for patients with neck pain (associated with whiplash, non-specific, or specific neck pain, with or without radiculopathy, or cervicogenic headache) on pain, function, and disability. Our secondary aim was to describe the design, dosage, and adherence of the prescribed HEPs. Background: Neck pain is a leading cause of disability that affects 22-70% of the population. Different techniques have been found effective for the treatment of neck pain. However, there is conflicting evidence to support the role of a therapeutic HEP to reduce pain, disability, and improve function and quality of life (QOL). Methods: A systematic review in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement for reporting systematic reviews. The full-text review utilized the Maastricht-Amsterdam assessment tool to assess quality among RCTs. Results: A total of 1927 subjects included within seven full-text articles met our specific search strategy. It was found that HEPs with a focus on strength and endurance-training exercises, as well as selfmobilization, have a positive effect when used in combination with other conservative treatments or alone. Conclusions: Home exercise programs that utilize either self-mobilizations within an augmented HEP to address specific spinal levels, or strengthening, and/or endurance exercise are effective at reducing neck pain, function, and disability and improving QOL. The benefit of HEPs in combination with other conservative interventions yields some benefit with a range of effect sizes.

The effect of exercise on cervical radiculopathy

“…To the best of our knowledge, several previous meta-analyses have reported on exercise for treating neck pain or neck disorders, [34–38] but there is no meta-analysis on the treatment of CR by exercise at present. As the first systematic review of exercise as an intervention measure for CR, the latest and high-level evidence-based results are obtained by synthesizing the results of multiple studies, although the GRADE level of evidence is low for 2 outcomes due to high heterogeneity and possible publication bias.…”

Quality of life, lifestyle, and working environment of women in the footwear industry

“…Various studies have demonstrated that physical activity improves QoL in individuals with chronic pain or depression, especially in the physical and psychological domains. 15 , 16 …”

Psychometric evaluation of a motor control test battery of the craniofacial region

“…The evidence supports the use of motor control exercises targeting the neck and the low back in combination with other conservative interventions to reduce pain and disability for patients suffering musculoskeletal impairments . In addition, in a recent systematic review, it is highlighted that motor control exercises to the neck as well as manual therapy techniques targeted to the neck and jaw could help alleviate pain and disability in subjects with TMD .…”