Abstract
Purpose: In this study, we compared the effects on stiff neck and shoulder symptoms and sleep when using their own pillow (Baseline Pillow : BP) and our developed cervical-thoracic alignment-supporting pillow (Test Pillow : TP). Method: participants who were not fully satisfied with their sleep and stiff neck and shoulder symptoms were recruited. Twenty-nine people (males: 13, females: 16, age: 53.5 ± 7.1 years old) were selected who had heavy neck and shoulder stiffness symptom and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). The study was performed for two periods, each of which was a week of BP and TP. Participants were asked to perform questionnaires about degree of stiffness in neck and shoulders and sleep sensation (Karolinska Sleepiness Scale (KSS), Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at home for themselves during two weeks. After each period, muscle hardness measurement and sleep questionnaires (OSA sleep inventory MA version (OSA-MA)) were performed. Result: TP significantly reduced the degree of subjective symptoms such as stiff neck and shoulders compared to BP. The subjective sleep quality (KSS, NRS) with TP was significantly lower than that with BP. OSA-MA (falling asleep and staying asleep, fatigue recovery and sleep duration) with TP was significantly higher than that with BP. Muscle hardness showed no significant difference between BP and TP. Conclusions: This study suggested that the TP may have reduced subjective symptoms of neck and shoulder stiffness and improved sleep sensation in participants with stiff neck and shoulder symptoms on awakening.
https://ror.org/04wn7wc95 
