Efficiency of modified pilates exercises in patients with chronic neck pain

Objective: The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of modified pilates exercises on pain, deep neck flexor endurance (DNFE), disability, posture, range of motion (ROM) and joint position sense (JPS) in patients with chronic neck pain. Methods: Fifty patients with chronic neck pain were randomly divided into two groups. The modified pilates exercise group (MPEG) received modified pilates exercises twice a week for 6 weeks. The control group (CG) was given advises on the activities of daily living (ADL), working positions and correct posture. At the beginning and at the end of the 6th week, pain level, DNFE, disability, head anterior tilt (AT), shoulder protraction (OP), neck ROM and JPS values was measured. Results: According to the results of our study, modified pilates exercises improved pain, DNFE, NDI, posture, ROM (except for extension movement) and JPS values (p <0.05). On the other hand, it was seen that disability, OP and rotation JPS scores were also improved (p <0.05) in CG who had only ADL recommendations. There was no significant change in other measurements of CG (p >0.05). Conclusion: Modified pilates exercises is a safe and effective method to improve pain, DNFE, disability, posture, ROM and propiroception in patients with chronic neck pain. Key words: Modified pilates, chronic neck pain, exercise, endurance, proprioception