Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice ›› 2024, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (7): 778-788.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2024.07.005

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Effect of exercise therapy on chronic nonspecific neck pain: a meta-analysis based on ICF

WEN Yanfei, YANG Lu, BAN Yue, Ykabaru Daniela BERBESI NORIEGA, ZHANG Haoqi, WANG Li(), LIU Hua()   

  1. Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing 100191, China
  • Received:2024-05-24 Revised:2024-06-18 Published:2024-07-25 Online:2024-08-07
  • Contact: LIU Hua, E-mail: liuhua@cupes.edu.cn; WANG Li, E-mail: wangli@cupes.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    Quality Undergraduate Program in Beijing Universities(145122005/004);Beijing Higher Education Undergraduate Teaching Reform and Innovation Project(145122002/007);Inner Connotation Development-Research-Science and Technology Stronger Schools Supporting Program(155223021);Inner Connotation Development-School of Kinesiology and Health Dual Creation Project(515124001);Inner Connotation Development-Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation(515124004)

Abstract:

Objective To systematically evaluate the effect of exercise therapy on body structure, function, and activity and participation in patients with chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNSNP) based on the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework.
Methods A PICO framework was constructed, and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the intervention of different types of exercise therapy for patients with CNSNP were retrieved from databases of CBM, Wanfang data, VIP, CNKI, Cochrane Library, Embase, PubMed and Web of Science, from the establishment to March, 2024. The quality of the literature was evaluated with Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale, and the evidence quality of the outcome indicators was evaluated using GRADE. Data were synthesized and analyzed using RevMan 5.3, and the risk of bias was evaluated using Stata 18.0.
Results A total of eleven RCTs involving 668 subjects were included. The scores of PEDro scale were five to eight. The types of interventions included muscle strength training, stability training, proprioception training, Yoga and Pilates. The control groups received placebo, physical factor therapy and health education. Exercise therapy could increase the craniovertebral angle (SMD = 0.84, 95%CI 0.42 to 1.26, P < 0.001), reduce the Visual Analogue Scale score (SMD = -2.05, 95%CI -2.58 to -1.52, P < 0.001), increase the pressure pain threshold (MD = 112.27, 95%CI 75.03 to 149.50, P < 0.001), increase the range of motion of cervical forward (SMD = 1.24, 95%CI 0.34 to 2.15, P = 0.007) and lateral (SMD = 1.52, 95%CI 0.40 to 2.65, P = 0.008) flexion, and improve the endurance of the deep cervical flexors (SMD = 1.02, 95%CI 0.10 to 1.94, P = 0.03) and position sense of the cervical spine (SMD = -1.00, 95%CI -1.47 to -0.53, P < 0.001); however, it was not significant in improving the range of motion of backward flexion (SMD = 0.85, 95%CI -1.04 to 2.75, P = 0.38) and rotation (SMD = 1.65, 95%CI -0.35 to 3.65, P = 0.11). Exercise therapy could also reduce the Neck Disability Index score (MD = -11.88, 95%CI -16.09 to -7.68, P < 0.001), and it was no significant in the Short-Form-36 score (MD = 19.04, 95%CI -3.00 to 41.08, P = 0.09).
Conclusion Exercise therapy can improve head posture, pain, motion of forward flexion and lateral flexion, endurance of the cervical flexors and joint position sense, and the overall function in patients with CNSNP. However, further researches are needed to verify the effects on cervical backward flexion and rotation, and quality of life.

Key words: chronic nonspecific neck pain, exercise, International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, meta-analysis

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