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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2020 Mar 23:26:e920208.
doi: 10.12659/MSM.920208.

Effects of Lower Trapezius Strengthening Exercises on Pain, Dysfunction, Posture Alignment, Muscle Thickness and Contraction Rate in Patients with Neck Pain; Randomized Controlled Trial

Sam-Ho Park  1 , Myung-Mo Lee  2
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Effects of Lower Trapezius Strengthening Exercises on Pain, Dysfunction, Posture Alignment, Muscle Thickness and Contraction Rate in Patients with Neck Pain; Randomized Controlled Trial

Sam-Ho Park et al. Med Sci Monit. .

Abstract

BACKGROUND Neck pain is reported by many laborers who are at risk of experiencing musculoskeletal disorders due to muscle stiffness and hypokinetics. This study examined the effects of a lower trapezius exercise program on neck pain patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS The design of this study was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 40 neck pain patients participated in this study. Screening tests were performed and assigned to experimental group (n=20) and control group (n=20) using randomization program. Both groups underwent a scapula and thoracic spine stabilization exercise program. In addition, the experimental group implemented the lower trapezius strengthening exercise program. All interventions were applied 3 times per week for 4 weeks. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), postural alignment, muscle thickness and contraction rate were compared to evaluate the effect on intervention. RESULTS Both groups showed significant differences in VAS, NDI, and postural alignment before and after intervention (P<0.05). In addition, the experimental group showed more significant difference in the amount of change in NDI and postural alignment values than the control group. The experimental group showed significant improvement in muscle thickness and contraction (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS A lower trapezius strengthening exercise program is an effective method with clinical significance for reducing the level of neck dysfunction, and improving the postural alignment, muscle thickness, and contraction rate of the lower trapezius muscle.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest

None.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
CONSORT flow chart.
Figure 2
Figure 2
(A–C) Scapula and thoracic spine stabilization exercise program.
Figure 3
Figure 3
(A–E) Lower trapezius strengthening exercise program.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Cranio-vertebral angle (CVA) and cranial rotation angle (CRA).
Figure 5
Figure 5
Muscle thickness measurement (A) and ultrasound images of lower trapezius muscle (B).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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