Griffiths C, Dziedzic K, Waterfield J, Sim J.
The objective of this study was to determine whether specific neck stabilization exercises, in addition to general neck advice and exercise, provide better clinical outcome at 6 weeks than general neck advice and exercise alone. 74 participants were randomized to specific neck stabilization exercises with a general neck advice and exercise program or a general neck advice and exercise program alone. They attended a 1-hour clinical examination, followed by a maximum of 4 treatment sessions. Assessments were undertaken at baseline, 6 weeks, and 6 months. The primary outcome was the Neck Pain and Disability Scale (NPDS).
Adding specific neck stabilization exercises to a general neck advice and exercise program did not provide better clinical outcome overall in the physical therapy treatment of chronic neck pain.
The Journal of Rheumatology, 2009 Feb;36(2):390-7.