Combining targeted instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization applications and neuromuscular exercises can correct forward head posture and improve the functionality of patients with mechanical neck pain: a randomized control study.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effects of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) combined with neuromuscular exercises versus classical massage with the same exercises on functionality in patients with mechanical neck pain and forward head posture.
Results Summary
The study found that both IASTM with exercises and classical massage with exercises improved cervical range of motion, strength, and pain in the short term, but IASTM showed significantly greater improvements in cervical vertebral angle and neck disability index compared to massage. Pain reduction was significant in both groups, though more pronounced with IASTM.
Population
Twenty patients with mechanical neck pain and forward head posture.
Effective Dosage
Eight treatment sessions (frequency not specified).
Duration
Treatment period plus two- and four-week post-treatment follow-ups.
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
combined application of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) techniques and neuromuscular exercises of the cervical and thoracic area | increase | cervical vertebral angle (CVA) | patients with mechanical neck pain and accompanying forward head posture (FHP) | + 7,2 deg vs Group B: + 1,1 deg | contributed to a significantly greater improvement in | #1 |
combined application of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) techniques and neuromuscular exercises of the cervical and thoracic area | decrease | neck disability index (NDI) | patients with mechanical neck pain and accompanying forward head posture (FHP) | -25,2 vs Group B: -5,8 | contributed to a significantly greater improvement in | #2 |
combined application of IASTM and neuromuscular exercises | increase | cervical range of motion (ROM) | patients with mechanical neck pain and accompanying forward head posture (FHP) | - | improved | #3 |
combined application of IASTM and neuromuscular exercises | increase | cervical strength | patients with mechanical neck pain and accompanying forward head posture (FHP) | - | improved | #4 |
combined application of IASTM and neuromuscular exercises | decrease | pain (visual analogue scale-VAS) | patients with mechanical neck pain and accompanying forward head posture (FHP) | - 5,97 vs Group B VAS: - 3,1 | significantly improved | #5 |
combined application of IASTM and neuromuscular exercises | decrease | pain (visual analogue scale-VAS) | patients with mechanical neck pain and accompanying forward head posture (FHP) | -5,5 vs Group B: -1,5 | significantly improved | #6 |
classical massage and neuromuscular exercises | increase | cervical range of motion (ROM) | patients with mechanical neck pain and accompanying forward head posture (FHP) | - | improved | #7 |
classical massage and neuromuscular exercises | increase | cervical strength | patients with mechanical neck pain and accompanying forward head posture (FHP) | - | improved | #8 |
classical massage and neuromuscular exercises | decrease | pain (visual analogue scale-VAS) | patients with mechanical neck pain and accompanying forward head posture (FHP) | - 3,1 vs Group A VAS: - 5,97 | significantly improved | #9 |
classical massage and neuromuscular exercises | decrease | pain (visual analogue scale-VAS) | patients with mechanical neck pain and accompanying forward head posture (FHP) | -1,5 vs Group A: -5,5 | significantly improved | #10 |
BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the short- and intermediate-term effects of the combined application of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) techniques and neuromuscular exercises of the cervical and thoracic area on the improvement of the functionality of patients with mechanical neck pain and accompanying forward head posture (FHP). METHODS: Twenty patients with neck pain and FHP were randomized and received eight treatment sessions of either targeted IASTM in combination with neuromuscular exercises (Group A) or a classical massage and the same set of exercises (Group B). The cervical vertebral angle (CVA), cervical range of motion (ROM) and strength, pain (visual analogue scale-VAS), and neck disability index (NDI) were measured throughout the treatment period and in the two- and four-week post-treatment periods. RESULTS: The combined application of IASTM and neuromuscular exercises contributed to a significantly greater improvement in CVA (Group A: + 7,2 deg vs Group B: + 1,1 deg) and NDI (Group A:-25,2 vs Group B:-5,8) than massage and the application of the same exercises. Both interventions improved cervical ROM and strength in the short term. Pain was also significantly improved in both groups in both the short (Group A VAS: - 5,97 vs Group B VAS: - 3,1) and intermediate term (Group A VAS:-5,5 vs Group B:-1,5). CONCLUSIONS: Combining IASTM and exercises for the cervical and thoracic area can induce positive postural adaptations and improve the functional status of neck pain patients. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN, ISRCTN54231174 . Registered 19 March 2020 - Retrospectively registered.