Effect of Cranio-cervical Flexion Self-Exercise Using a Special Device on Subjective and Objective Outcomes of Neck Pain

Abstract

[Purpose] To examine the effects of self-exercise using a special device developed for guiding appropriate cranio-cervical flexion by subjects with neck pain. [Subjects] Eight volunteers (5 males, 3 females) with non-specific neck pain participated in this study. [Methods] All subjects performed self-managed cranio-cervical flexion exercise using the special device twice a day for 4 weeks. [Results] Significant improvements were observed in the cervical active range of motion (extension, lateral bending, rotation), Numerical Rating Scale, and the Japanese version of the Neck Disability Index. [Conclusion] The findings suggest that cranio-cervical flexion self-exercise using the special device can improve subjective and objective outcomes of patients with non-specific neck pain.