소도구를 이용한 등뼈 자가 관절 가동성 운동이 만성 목통증 환자의 통증, 관절가동범위, 기능장애에 미치는 영향

• Published in: Han'guk Chŏnmun Mulli Ch'iryo Hakhoe chi = Journal of the Korean Academy of University Trained Physical Therapists Vol. 27; no. 1; pp. 1 - 10
• Main Authors: 김수진, Su-jin Kim, 김선엽, Suhn-yeop Kim, 이민지, Min-ji Lee
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Korean
• Published: 한국전문물리치료학회 28.02.2020; Korean Academy Of University Trained Physical Therapy
• Subjects: Chronic; Neck pain; Range of motion; Self-mobilization; Thoracic; 물리치료학; Neck pain; Chronic; Range of motion; Thoracic; Self-mobilization
• ISSN: 1225-8962; 2287-982X
• DOI: 10.12674/ptk.2020.27.1.1

Background: Thoracic spine self-mobilization exercise is commonly used to manage patients with neck pain. However, no previous studies have investigated the effects of thoracic spine self-mobilization exercise alone in patients with chronic neck pain. Objects: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of thoracic self-mobilization using a tool on cervical range of motion (ROM), disability level, upper body posture, pain and fear-avoidance beliefs questionnaire (FABQ) in patients with chronic neck pain. Methods: The subjects were 49 patients (21 males, 28 females) with chronic neck pain. The subjects were randomly divided into an experimental group (EG, n = 23) and control group (CG, n = 26). For the EG, thoracic self-mobilization was applied. We placed a tool (made with 2 tennis balls) under 3 different vertebral levels (T1-4, T5-8, T9-12) of the thoracic spine and the subjects performed crunches, which included thoracic flexion and extension in supine position. Five times × 3 sets for each levels, twice a week, for 4 weeks. Cervical pain, disability, upper body posture, FABQ results, and ROM were evaluated at baseline, after 4 weeks of intervention, and at 8 weeks of follow-up. Assessments included the quadruple visual analogue scale (QVAS); Northwick Park neck pain questionnaire (NPQ); craniovertebral angles (CVA), forward shoulder angle (FSA) and kyphosis angle (KA) measurements for upper body posture; FABQ and cervical ROM testing. Results: The EG showed a statistically significant improvement after intervention in the QVAS (-51.16%); NPQ (-53.46%); flexion (20.95%), extension (25.32%), left rotation (14.04%), and right rotation (25.32%) in the ROM of the cervical joint; KA (-7.14%); CVA (9.82%); and FSA (-4.12%). Conclusion: These results suggest that, for patients with chronic neck pain, thoracic selfmobilization exercise using a tool (tennis balls) is effective to improve neck pain, disability level, the ROM, and upper body posture.