RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DEEP NECK FLEXOR MUSCLE PERFORMANCE, BALANCE, AND GAIT PARAMETERS IN INDIVIDUALS WITH CHRONIC NECK PAIN

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between deep neck flexor muscle performance, balance, and gait parameters in individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP). Methods: Sixty-nine individuals (age-32.75 +/- 14.03 years, body mass index-25.09 +/- 5.40 kg/m(2)) with CNP were included to the study. The deep neck flexor muscle performance was assessed with stabilizer pressure biofeedback unit, balance was measured using one leg stance test as eyes open and closed. The cadence and walking speed were calculated for gait parameters. Results: The deep neck flexor muscle performance of individuals with CNP demonstrated positive correlations with one leg stance test with eyes opened of dominant side (r=0.632, p<0.001), one leg stance test with eyes opened of non-dominant side (r=0.556, p<0.001), one leg stance test with eyes closed of dominant side (r=0.328, p=0.006), one leg stance test with eyes closed of non-dominant side (r=0.412, p<0.001). cadence (r=0.621 p<0.001), and walking speed (r=0.652, p<0.001), respectively. Conclusion: It was seen that the deep neck flexor muscle performance was related with balance and gait parameters in individuals with CNP. Deep neck flexor muscle training may contribute to the development of balance and gait parameters in individuals with CNP.