The effects of exercise dosage on neck-related pain and disability: a systematic review with meta-analysis

Review written by Dr Julia Treleaven info

Key Points

  1. Exercise therapy for neck pain is efficacious.
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BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE

Considerable personal and societal burden is associated with neck pain (1). Current evidence recommends a multimodal approach for the management of neck pain including manual therapy and exercise therapy (2). Recommended exercises include several types including motor control and strengthening (3). However, the precise dose of exercises for maximal therapeutic effect is currently unknown.

This systematic review with meta-analysis examined published randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise therapy and the relationship to dosage in those with neck pain.

Current evidence recommends a multimodal approach for the management of neck pain.
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It is likely that exercise programs will be more efficacious if they are specific and individualized according to the patient’s presentation.

METHODS

In this study, published RCTs until November 2018 were sought. To be included in this systematic review studies had to compare an exercise intervention with a non-active based control in individuals with acute, subacute or chronic neck pain. Studies were

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