• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.53-60
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• 2010

Purpose : Neck pain is commonly experienced by both adolescents and adults. The purpose of this study was to measure neck disability index(NDI) and the cervical range of motion(CROM) following spinal manipulation and mobilization techniques. Methods : Thirty participants(manipulation=15, mobilization=15) with mild neck disability volunteered for this study. It was used to measure NDI with NDI questionnaire and six motions(neck flexion and extension, left and right lateral flexion, left and right rotation) with the CROM instrument. Independent t-test and paired t-test were used to estimate NDI and CROM, and compared left with right motions. Results : A significant decrease in NDI were found after spinal manipulation and mobilization treatment(p<.05). A trend toward increase in all cervical motions(flexion, extension, left and right lateral flexion, left and right rotation), after interventions, were revealed(p<.05). The significant differences were not found on NDI and CROM between the group(p<.05). It was presented asymmetric motions in cervical lateral flexion(p<.05) before and after treatment. Conclusions : Our results suggest that manipulation and mobilization probably provide at least short-term benefits for patients with mild neck pain. It is needed to be studied the factors and preventive methods influencing the asymmetric cervical motion.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.30 no.1
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• pp.15-27
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• 2024

Background: This study examined the effects of the muscle energy technique and cervical traction after applying conservative physical therapy to patients with cervical radiculopathy. Methods: Twenty-six patients with cervical radiculopathy were randomized into two groups: the experimental group (n=13) and the control group (n=13). The two groups performed the muscle energy technique and for 4 weeks, 3 times a week, in 70-minute sessions. Pain, range of motion, function, and muscle performance were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), cervical range of motion (CROM) goniometer, neck disability index (NDI), and stabilizer pressure biofeedback, before and after training. Results: After four weeks of therapy, the VAS (p<.001), NDI (p<.01), and the maximum strength of the deep neck flexion muscles significantly decreased (p<.01) and CROM significantly increased in both groups (p<.05). Conclusion: The muscle energy technique and therapeutic modalities such as cervical traction are effective in reducing VAS and NDI and increasing CROM and muscle performance in patients with cervical radiculopathy.

• Journal of Korean Clinical Health Science
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• v.1 no.1
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• pp.29-34
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• 2013

Purpose : This study was to investigate that tongue positions have effect on the cervical range of motion (ROM). Methods : 18 subjects, 20 to 25 years of age, were participated in this study. The tongue positions were neutral position, anterior protrusion, posterior protrusion, superior protrusion, inferior protrusion, left side protrusion and right side protrusion. The neck movements were right side flexion, left side flexion, right rotation and left rotation. The cervical range of motion measured by cervical range of motion instrument (CROM, C9266-49, USA). The changes were analyzed using the paired t-test. SPSSWIN (ver. 20.0) was used for data analysis and the significance level was chosen as ${\alpha}$=0.05. Results : In the lateral flexion, the angle of left lateral flexion increased in anterior protrusion(p<0.05) and right side protrusion(p<0.05) significantly. In the rotation, the angle of right rotation increased in anterior protrusion(p<0.05), posterior protrusion (p<0.05), superior protrusion(p<0.05), inferior protrusion(p<0.05), and left side protrusion (p<0.05) significantly. Conclusions : In conclusion, we found that the tongue positions affected some cervical movements.

• The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy
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• v.14 no.1
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• pp.1-14
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• 2008

Purpose : To evaluate the effects joint mobilization and McKenzie exercise on the cervical range of motion and tenderness through cervical range of motion(CROM), algometer. Methods : The subjects consisted of thirty five patients. Eighteen underwent McKenzie exercise, seventeen did Joint Mobilization. The joint mobilization group received joint mobilization exercise for about 15 minutes, and McKenzie exercise group received extension, side-flexion, flexion, elevation, exercise for 15 minutes respectively. The test period of each group took place three times a week during 6 weeks. All measurements for each the subject took the following treatment: pre-treatment, treatment in 2 weeks, treatment in 6 weeks, post-treatment in 2 weeks. Results : The flexion, extension and side-flexion CROM of both groups were statistically significant increase within treatment period(p<.05), and also a significant difference within pre-treatment and post-treatment in a 2 week period(p<.05), within treatment in 2 weeks and post-treatment in 2 weeks by checking the extent of effect in the treatment period(p<.05). The trapezius tenderness threshold of both groups were statistically significant increase within treatment period(p<.05), and also significant difference within pre-treatment and post-treatment, within treatment in 2 weeks and post-treatment by checking the extent of effect in the treatment period. Conclusion : Joint mobilization and Mckenzie exercise improved cervical range of motion and tenderness threshold.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.32 no.5
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• pp.319-324
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• 2020

Purpose: This study was to investigate the effect of dorsal neck muscle fatigue on the cervical range of motion (CROM) and proprioception in adults with the forward head posture (FHP). Methods: Thirty pain-free subjects were enrolled in this study. All subjects were measured the forward head angle by taking the capture of the sagittal plane of their upper body to determine the FHP. Subjects were distributed into two groups: the FHP group (n=14) and Control group (n=16). All subjects were measured the CROM and the Head repositioning accuracy (HRA) for joint proprioception before and after inducing muscle fatigue of the dorsal neck. The CROM and HRA were measured in neck flexion, extension, right-left lateral flexion, and right-left rotation. Sorenson's test was used to induce muscle fatigue of the dorsal neck. Results: Total CROMs were significantly decreased after dorsal neck muscle fatigue in both groups (p<0.05). Total HRAs were significantly increased after dorsal neck muscle fatigue in the FHP group (p<0.05), but there were no significant differences in the control group (p>0.05). Total CROM changes were not significant differences between groups (p>0.05), but total HRA changes were significant differences between groups (p<0.05) except for right and left lateral flexion (p>0.05). Conclusion: Immediate CROM and proprioception reduction after the dorsal neck muscle fatigue were observed in adults with the FHP. Therefore, FHP can significantly affect the CROM and positioning consistency of cervical proprioception.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.107-117
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• 2024

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of the myofascial release and cervical traction after applying conservative physical therapy to patients chronic neck pain. METHODS: Patients were randomly divided into two groups, namely myofascial release (7 subjects) and cervical traction (7 subjects). Each group performed their therapy 45 minutes per day, two times a week, for four weeks. Pain intensity was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS). Function was measured with the neck disability index (NDI). The cervical range of motion (CROM) was measured with a cervical range of motion (CROM) goniometer. RESULTS: After four weeks of therapy, the VAS (p < .05) and NDI (p < .05) significantly decreased, and ROM significantly increased in both groups (p < .05). There were also significant differences between the two groups for these three measures, except for neck flexion and neck extension(p<.05). CONCLUSION: Myofascial release and cervical traction are more effective than cervical traction alone for reducing VAS and NDI and increasing ROM in patients with chronic neck pain.

• Physical Therapy Korea
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• v.28 no.1
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• pp.36-46
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• 2021

Background: It is reported that the proprioceptive sensation of patients with neck pain is reduced, and neck sensory-motor control training using visual feedback is reported to be effective. Objects: The purpose of this study is to investigate how sensorimotor control training for the cervical spine affects pain, function, and psychosocial status in patients with chronic cervical pain. Methods: The subjects consisted of 36 adults (male: 15, female: 21) who had experienced cervical spine pain for more than 6 weeks. An exercise program composed of cervical stabilization exercise (10 minutes), electrotherapy (10 minutes), manual therapy (10 minutes), and cervical sensorimotor control training (10 minutes) was implemented for both the experimental and the control groups. The cervical range of motion (CROM) and head repositioning accuracy were assessed using a CROM device. In the experimental group, the subjects wore a laser device on the head to provide visual feedback while following pictures in front of their eyes; whereas, in the control group, the subjects had the same training of following pictures without the laser device. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in pain, dysfunction, range of motion, or psychosocial status; however, post-test results showed significant decreases after 2 weeks and 4 weeks compared to baseline (p < 0.01), and after 4 weeks compared to after 2 weeks (p < 0.01). The cervical joint position sense differed significantly between the two groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: In this study, visual feedback enhanced proprioception in the cervical spine, resulting in improved cervical joint position sense. On the other hand, there were no significant effects on pain, dysfunction, range of motion, or psychosocial status.

• Journal of The Korean Society of Integrative Medicine
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• v.4 no.4
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• pp.83-90
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• 2016

Purpose : Recommended posture according to the location of operating teeth have been standardized in dental clinic to prevent musculoskeletal disorder. However, clinicians do not comply with this rule in many cases. This study investigated the effects of operating posture on cranio-cervical range of motion (CROM) and muscles activity of neck and upper extremity. Methods : Sixteen healthy dental hygiene students were participated. During operating posture (3 recommended and 3 experimental postures which were set front, side, back, respectively), CROM in the fronal and sagittal plane were measured by Cervical Range of Motion Instrument and muscle activities of Sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, middle deltoid, extensor carpi radialis, brachioradialis, and abductor pollicis brevis were measured by Pocket EMG system. Result : CROM were significantly decreased in recommended posture in comparison with experimental posture (p<.05). In addition, muscle activity of middle deltoid was significantly decreased in recommended front posture. Moreover, brachioradialis and extensor carpi radialis showed the same result in recommended back posture (p<.05). Conclusion : Recommended posture is close to neutral posture and to reduce muscle fatigue and overuse, which may considered as a preventing musculoskeletal disorder and partially explain its efficacy in dental clinic.

• Archives of Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy
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• v.14 no.2
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• pp.33-44
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• 2018

Purpose: The primary purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cervical stabilization exercise (CSE) on hamstring flexibility in patients with neck pain. A secondary purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of cervical range of motion (CROM) and craniovertebral angle (CVA). Methods: This study was a single-blind, randomized, comparative trial. Twenty patients were allocated into either the cranio-cervical flexion exercise (CCFE) group or the CSE group. Before and after the intervention, we measured straight leg raise (SLR), popliteal angle (PA), CROM, and CVA in the sitting and standing positions. Fisher's exact test, the Mann-Whitney test, and Wilcoxon's signed-rank test were used to analyze our data. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in the value of SLR, PA, cervical extension, cervical rotation, and CVA in the standing position (both, p<.05) after intervention. However, only the CSE group showed significant improvements in cervical right lateral flexion (z=-2.209; p<.01) and cervical left lateral flexion (z=-2.537; p<.05) after intervention. The CSF group showed more significant improvements in SLR, PA, both cervical lateral flexions, and both cervical rotations than the CCFE group. Conclusions: The results of this study will guide future research in identifying the effectiveness of CSE. In conclusion, it can be inferred that CSE has a positive effect on SLR, PA, CROM, and CVA in the standing position in patients with chronic neck pain.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Physical Medicine
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• v.17 no.2
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• pp.29-40
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• 2022

PURPOSE: This study examined the effects of an exercise program for the thoracic spine and scapula rather than the neck, which is the primary site of pain. METHODS: Thirty-two elementary school teachers with a forward head posture (FHP) were assigned randomly to either the experimental group (n = 16) or the control group (n = 16). The experimental group performed scapular stabilization exercise (SSE) and thoracic extension exercise (TEE), and the control group performed cervical self-myofascial release exercise and stretching exercise. The pulmonary functions, pain, craniovertebral angle (CVA), and cervical range of motion (CROM) were measured before the intervention and six weeks after. RESULTS: The within-group comparisons showed that the VAS and CROM (except for extension) in both groups were significantly different before and after the intervention (p < .05). The changes in the maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP), maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at 1 sec (FEV1), and CVA were significant only in the experimental group (p < .05). The between-group comparisons showed a significant difference in the FVC, FEV1, VAS, CVA, and left lateral flexion (p < .05). CONCLUSION: The combination of SSE and TEE in the experimental group was more effective in improving the FHP and breathing ability. Moreover, the experimental group and control combination appeared to be effective in reducing pain and improving the CROM. The combination of SSE and TEE, which are exercises that do not target the cervical spine directly, was effective in improving the posture, respiration, neck pain, and CROM in elementary school teachers with FHP.