Effect of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and cranio-cervical flexor training on pain and function in chronic mechanical neck pain: A randomized clinical trial.

研究概要

Sixty-six patients with chronic mechanical neck pain were randomized to receive either proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF; n=33) or craniocervical flexor training (CCFT; n=33) over a 4-week intervention period. The primary outcome of interest was pain reduction, measured by the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Secondary outcomes included the Neck Disability Index (NDI) for functional disability and active cervical range of motion (ACROM). Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks of intervention. Overall, the results of the study revealed that both PNF and CCFT were effective in reducing pain and improving function, with no significant differences between the groups for most outcomes. This suggests that PNF may be as beneficial as CCFT in managing chronic mechanical neck pain.