Comparison of the effects of cervical stabilization and oculomotor exercises applied in addition to classical physiotherapy program on pain intensity, joint position sense and physical parameters in individuals with chronic neck pain

This study was conducted to compare the effects of treatment approaches on pain intensity, joint position sense (JPS), range of motion (ROM), activation and endurance of deep cervical flexor (DCF) muscles, posture, balance, neck awareness, functionality and satisfaction in individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP). In the study, 72 patients aged 30-55 years with CNP were divided into classical physiotherapy (CF, n=24), CF+Cervical Stabilization (CF+SS, n=24) and CF+ oculomotor exercise (CF+OE) groups by stratified randomization method. Pain intensity was recorded by Numeric Pain Scale, JPS by laser-assisted angle repetition test, cervical ROM by inclinometer, DCF muscle activation and endurance by biofeedback pressure unit, posture by photography method, static balance by stork balance test, dynamic balance by Y balance test, neck awareness by Fremantle Neck Awareness Questionnaire, functionality by Neck Disability Index, satisfaction by Global Perceived Impact Questionnaire. All individuals were evaluated at baseline and at the end of the 8th week. In our study, it was found that all treatment groups decreased pain intensity, joint position error values, head anterior tilt; increased ROM, activation and endurance of DCF muscles, static balance time and dynamic reaching distance, and significantly improved functionality and neck awareness. The satisfaction levels of the all treatment groups were similar. In intergroup comparison, CF+SS and CF+OE groups were more effective in terms of rotational ROM, activation and endurance of DCF muscles, head anterior tilt, duration of static standing, reaching distance in dynamic balance test and functionality compared to CF only group. Although all treatment approaches showed effective results in the management of CNP, it was concluded that SS and OE applied in addition to the CF program were more effective.