Riassunto dello studio

Seventy patients with chronic non-specific neck pain were randomized to receive a specific cervical extensor exercise program (n=35) or usual stretching exercises (n=35). The primary outcome of interest was the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Secondary outcomes of interest included pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), cervical range of motion (CROM), cross-sectional areas (CSAs) or cervical extensors, and cervical curvature. Outcomes were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months. Overall, the results of the study revealed that the group undergoing specific cervical extensor exercises showed greater improvement in NDI and VAS scores, a more substantial increase in CROM and CSAs of cervical extensors, and a more pronounced restoration of cervical lordosis at the 12-month follow-up compared to the control group. These findings suggest that a long-term specific cervical extensor training program is more effective than usual stretching exercises in improving functional disability, pain intensity, and cervical muscle strength in young adults with chronic non-specific neck pain, potentially contributing to the restoration of cervical lordosis.