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Can a functional postural exercise improve performance in the cranio-cervical flexion test? - A preliminary study.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  22310655     Owner:  NLM     Status:  Publisher    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Deep cervical flexor (DCF) muscle impairment is common in patients with neck pain. Retraining function is often commenced with a motor relearning approach, requiring the patient to practice and hold a cranio-cervical flexion position in supine lying. Motor relearning requires multiple repetitions which is difficult to achieve if only exercising in supine. This preliminary study investigated the effects of training the DCF with a functional exercise: assumption of an upright lumbo-pelvic and spinal postural position, adding a neck lengthening manoeuvre. The exercise effect was evaluated by changes in sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle activity in the cranio-cervical flexion test (CCFT). Twenty subjects with neck pain were randomly assigned to an exercise or control group. The exercise group trained for two weeks. Pre and post-intervention, electromyographic (EMG) signals were recorded from the SCM muscles during the five stages of the CCFT. Results indicated that the exercise improved performance. SCM EMG signal amplitudes decreased across all CCFT stages, albeit significant only at the first and third stages of the test; 22 mmHg (p = 0.043) and 26 mmHg (p = 0.003). No differences were evident in the control group (all p > 0.05). There was no difference between groups for pain and disability measures. This initial study indicates that a postural exercise, convenient to perform during the working day, improves the pattern of SCM muscle activity in the CCFT. Whilst further research is necessary, these observations suggest the worth of such an exercise to augment other training in the rehabilitation of patients with neck pain.
Authors:
Alexi Beer; Julia Treleaven; Gwendolen Jull
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Publication Detail:
Type:  JOURNAL ARTICLE     Date:  2012-2-4
Journal Detail:
Title:  Manual therapy     Volume:  -     ISSN:  1532-2769     ISO Abbreviation:  -     Publication Date:  2012 Feb 
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2012-2-7     Completed Date:  -     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9610924     Medline TA:  Man Ther     Country:  -    
Other Details:
Languages:  ENG     Pagination:  -     Citation Subset:  -    
Copyright Information:
Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Affiliation:
Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in Spinal Pain, Injury and Health and Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Queensland 4072, Australia.
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