A randomized controlled trial on the effects of "Global Postural Re-education" versus neck specific exercise on pain, disability, postural control, and neuromuscular features in women with chronic non-specific neck pain

Review written by Dr Sarah Haag info

Key Points

  1. Global Postural Re-education and neck-specific exercises both significantly improved pain intensity, disability and cervical range of motion.
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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Neck pain is a pervasive musculoskeletal issue, but it typically has a favourable prognosis. Despite the potential for a favourable outcome, at least one-third of people will continue to have symptoms persisting for at least one year following treatment. The optimal treatment for nonspecific neck pain has not yet been identified, though guidelines have identified exercise as a beneficial intervention, individually or in conjunction with other therapies (1).

This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of Global Postural Re-education (GPR) exercises compared to neck-specific exercises (SE) on pain, disability, postural control, and neuromuscular features in women with chronic neck pain.

At least one-third of people with neck pain will continue to have symptoms persisting for at least one year following treatment.
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This study found that exercises that specifically targeted the neck muscles were not more effective than more global exercises.

METHODS

  • 50 women were recruited from the community in Guarda County, Portugal, through an online questionnaire shared in established social networks, advertisements in physiotherapy clinics, and emails sent to Polytechnic Institute of Guarda staff.
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