Next Article in Journal
Evidence-Based Considerations Exploring Relations between SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic and Air Pollution: Involvement of PM2.5-Mediated Up-Regulation of the Viral Receptor ACE-2
Next Article in Special Issue
The Prevalence of Anticholinergic Drugs and Correlation with Pneumonia in Elderly Patients: A Population-Based Study in Taiwan
Previous Article in Journal
Smoking and Mental Illness: Prevalence, Patterns and Correlates of Smoking and Smoking Cessation among Psychiatric Patients
 
 
Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
Journals
IJERPH
Volume 17
Issue 15
10.3390/ijerph17155572
ijerph-logo
Submit to this Journal Review for this Journal Propose a Special Issue
► Article Menu

Article Menu

share Share announcement Help format_quote Cite question_answer Discuss in SciProfiles thumb_up
...
Endorse textsms
...
Comment
first_page
settings
Order Article Reprints
Font Type:
Arial Georgia Verdana
Font Size:
Aa Aa Aa
Line Spacing:
Column Width:
Background:
Article

Thermotherapy Plus Neck Stabilization Exercise for Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain in Elderly: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

by
Ho-Jin Shin
1,†,
Sung-Hyeon Kim
1,†,
Suk-Chan Hahm
2,* and
Hwi-Young Cho
1,3,*
1
Department of Health Science, Gachon University Graduate School, Incheon 21936, Korea
2
Graduate School of Integrative Medicine, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Korea
3
Department of Physical Therapy, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Korea
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
†
These two authors contributed equally to this work as co-first authors.
Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17(15), 5572; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155572
Submission received: 26 June 2020 / Revised: 24 July 2020 / Accepted: 29 July 2020 / Published: 1 August 2020
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Health Care for Older Adults)
Browse Figures
Review Reports Versions Notes

Abstract

:
Neck pain is a serious problem for public health. This study aimed to compare the effects of thermotherapy plus neck stabilization exercise versus neck stabilization exercise alone on pain, neck disability, muscle properties, and alignment of the neck and shoulder in the elderly with chronic nonspecific neck pain. This study is a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Thirty-five individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain were randomly allocated to intervention (n = 18) or control (n = 17) groups. The intervention group received thermotherapy with a salt-pack for 30 min and performed a neck stabilization exercise for 40 min twice a day for 5 days (10 sessions). The control group performed a neck stabilization exercise at the same time points. Pain intensity, pain pressure threshold (PPT), neck disability index, muscle properties, and alignment of the neck and shoulder were evaluated before and after the intervention. Significant time and group interactions were observed for pain at rest (p < 0.001) and during movement (p < 0.001), and for PPT at the upper-trapezius (p < 0.001), levator-scapula (p = 0.003), and splenius-capitis (p = 0.001). The disability caused by neck pain also significantly changed between groups over time (p = 0.005). In comparison with the control group, the intervention group showed significant improvements in muscle properties for the upper-trapezius (tone, p = 0.021; stiffness, p = 0.017), levator-scapula (stiffness, p = 0.025; elasticity, p = 0.035), and splenius-capitis (stiffness, p = 0.012), and alignment of the neck (p = 0.016) and shoulder (p < 0.001) over time. These results recommend the clinical use of salt pack thermotherapy in addition to neck stabilization exercise as a complementary intervention for chronic nonspecific neck pain control.

1. Introduction

Neck pain is a common health problem with a lifetime prevalence of 14.2% to 71% in the adult population and is considered a major problem for public health [1]. In particular, Korean women of middle and older age have a prevalence of 20.8% [2]. The common presentation of neck pain is nonspecific neck pain, defined as simple neck pain without a specific underlying disease causing the pain, which results from postural and mechanical causes [3,4]. Appropriate management of nonspecific neck pain is essential because chronic neck pain results in increased muscle tone, restricted cervical range of motion, functional impairments of activities of daily living, and decreased quality of life [4].
Nonspecific neck pain can be treated with a variety of interventions, such as medication, manual therapy, heat, and exercise [3,4,5,6]. In particular, exercise is an evidence-based practice to not only relieve pain in individuals with nonspecific neck pain, but also to improve muscle strength, motor function, and quality of life [7]. The efficacy of cervical-scapulothoracic stabilization exercise and neck stabilization exercise for the management of neck pain have been reported in previous studies [8,9,10].
Thermotherapy has been used to reduce chronic musculoskeletal pain and has been reported as a complementary intervention [11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19]. Since the application of thermotherapy to the skin increases the temperature and blood flow to the muscle and decreases muscle fatigue [14,15,16], it may be associated with an increase in muscle flexibility [17]. These effects of thermotherapy can also decrease muscle spasms [13]. Considering these findings, the application of thermotherapy followed by exercise during the rehabilitation process may strengthen the stability of neck muscles; thus, thermotherapy combined with neck stabilization exercise may be more effective than exercise alone for relieving nonspecific neck pain.
A hot pack is one of the most common methods of thermotherapy, and various heat transfer substances, such as silicate gel, polymer gel, and water, were used in the hot pack [20,21,22,23]. Salt can be an option for a heat transfer substance in hot packs. Considering that thermotherapy using salt have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects [24,25], hot packs using salt can be used for management of musculoskeletal pain. However, no clinical trial has been specifically conducted to investigate the feasibility of salt packs in patients with nonspecific neck pain, and the efficacy of thermotherapy combined with neck stabilization exercise for nonspecific neck pain has not been investigated. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a combination of a salt pack with neck stabilization exercise on pain, pain pressure threshold (PPT), neck disability, and alignment in individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain. To this end, we compared the effects of thermotherapy using a salt pack plus neck stabilization exercise versus a neck stabilization exercise alone for symptomatic relief from chronic nonspecific neck pain.

2. Methods

2.1. Study Design

This study was designed as a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. The experimental protocol was approved by the Gachon University Institutional Review Board (1044396-201903-HR-040-01). The study was performed in accordance with the protocol, and all participants provided written informed consent prior to their enrollment in the study.

2.2. Participants and Sample Size

For this study, we enrolled elders (>60 years) with chronic nonspecific neck pain that had lasted longer than 6 months (visual analogue scale (VAS) > 3/10), who had not undertaken regular physical activity in the past year. Chronic nonspecific neck pain was defined as neck pain provoked by neck postures, movements, or pressure for at least 3 months without a known pathology (neurological, trauma-induced, etc.) as the cause of the complaints [26]. The exclusion criteria were neck pain associated with inflammatory, hormonal, and neurological disorders or structural deformity in the upper extremities; neck pain related to previous surgery; positive radicular signs consistent with nerve root compression; severe referred pain; severe psychological disorder; or pregnancy. In addition, participants were excluded if they were under anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticoagulant, muscle relaxant, or antidepressant medication use 1 week before the study commenced [26].
The sample size was calculated using the computer software G-power (Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, version 3.1.9.4, Düsseldorf, Germany) In the present study, the effect size was set to 0.25 (medium effect size) [27], and the alpha level was 0.05. On the basis of these values, 34 participants (17 participants per group) were needed to achieve 80% power using a 2-sided test. Thus, with a 10% dropout rate, a total of 38 participants were required.

2.3. Experimental Procedures and Interventions

All participants were randomly assigned to treatment or control groups using a stratified randomization method [28]. Participants were stratified by age (60–69/70–79) and baseline VAS at rest (3–5/6–8) and randomization was performed within each stratum by using permuted block randomization (block size 4). The group allocation was concealed to the outcome assessor by blinding the group assignment, and primary and secondary variables were assessed before and after the intervention. Pre-test were performed on the morning (9 a.m. to 10 a.m.) before the first intervention, and post-tests were performed in the morning (9 a.m. to 10 a.m.) on the next day after the intervention. All assessments were conducted in a random order to exclude potential fatigue and order effects due to measurement order.
The intervention group performed neck stabilization exercise and thermotherapy using a salt pack, and the control group performed only neck stabilization exercises at Saesum Resort in Taean-gun. The neck stabilization exercise was applied by slightly modifying the exercise intervention performed in the previous study [10]. It consisted of a warm-up (5 min), main exercise (30 min), and cool-down (5 min), and was performed in both the intervention and control groups. The warm-up and cool-down consisted of neck and upper extremity stretching, and the main exercise was as follows: (1) Deep neck flexor isometric exercise in supine position; (2) Multi-directional isometric exercise (cervical flexion, extension, rotation, side bending) in a sitting position; (3) Upper extremity movement exercise; (4) Resistive exercise with Thera-band. The neck stabilization exercise was performed according to the therapist’s instruction.
After the neck stabilization exercise, the intervention group performed additional thermotherapy using a salt pack. For thermotherapy, bay salt was used in packs. The salt was collected at Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea in April 2019 and then packed in cotton cloth. The far infrared radiation (FIR) emissivity of bay salt used in this study was 0.900 µm and the FIR emission power was 3.89 × 102 W/m2·µm (Table A1 in Appendix A). The salt packs were kept in a warming cabinet (LH-1043G, Lassele Co., Ltd., Ansan, Korea) set at 60 °C until the start of the intervention. The participant was in a prone position. A salt pack set at 55 °C was applied to the neck and shoulder [29]; even after 30 min of application, it was maintained at about 40–50 °C. All interventions were conducted twice a day for 5 days, neck stabilization exercise was performed for 40 min and additional thermotherapy using salt pack was performed for 30 min.

2.4. Outcome Measures

2.4.1. Primary Variables

The visual analogue scale (VAS) [30] was used to assess pain intensity at rest and during movement. VAS at rest (resting pain) was defined as an unpleasant feeling or pain without movement, and VAS during movement (movement-induced pain) was defined as unpleasant feelings or pain incurred by neck movement (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, rotation) [31]. Patients marked their pain intensity at rest and during movement on a VAS table.
To assess the PPT of the neck, the PPT assessment method described in a previous study was used with a distal algometer (Somedic AB, Farsta, Sweden) containing a 1-cm2 probe [11,32,33]. The pressure head of the algometer was applied to the upper trapezius, levator scapula, and splenius capitis of the neck and shoulder area, as in a previous study [34]. The assessor gradually increased the application pressure in 10-kPa/s increments until the participants expressed a pain response, such as a pain-induced vocalization and a gesture related to pain (hand grasp or eye blink) [32]. The measurement was repeated twice, and the measurement interval was 30 s. The mean threshold was calculated for the left- and right-side points.
The neck disability index (NDI) was used to assess functional disability due to neck pain; this assessment consists of 10 items describing the impact of pain on different daily living activities [33]. Each item is rated on a six-point Likert scale (range 0–5), with 0 indicating no limitation due to pain and 5 indicating that an activity is impossible to perform. The total score ranges from 0 to 50, with a higher score indicating a higher level of disability. The NDI is the most widely used tool for assessing functional outcomes in patients with neck pain and is recommended for evaluation of the effectiveness of neck pain treatment.

2.4.2. Secondary Variables

A handheld myotonometer (Myoton AS, Tallinn, Estonia) with excellent intra and inter-tester reliability (ICC = 0.97) was used to measure the mechanical properties of muscle (muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity) [35]. The skeletal muscle assessments were performed at the same region where PPT was measured. Each time, the probe (3 mm diameter) of equipment was placed perpendicular to the skin’s surface and five repeated measurements were obtained. The myofascial tissue oscillations were evoked with 5 brief (15 ms) mechanical impulses at 0.4 N force and frequency of 1 Hz. The mean threshold was calculated for the left- and right-side points. Muscle tone is a value expressing muscle tone in a passive or resting state without voluntary contraction. Muscle stiffness is a value representing the resistance of tissue to external mechanical impulse. Muscle elasticity is a value expressing the ability to recover to the initial shape after the disappearance of the external force of deformation.
Changes in cervical and shoulder alignments were assessed using the cervical angle and shoulder angle, respectively [36] (Figure A1). the cervical angle and shoulder angle were defined through three markers (tragus of ear, spinous process of the C7, acromion) attached to the participants’ anatomical landmarks. Images were collected by a 16-megapixel camera (SM-N976N, Samsung, Suwon, Korea) with an acromion height of 1.5 m, located perpendicular to the ground by a spirit level. The collected images were processed through the MATLAB (version 2019b, Mathworks, Inc., Natick, MA, USA). The cervical angle is formed when a line drawn from the tragus of the ear to the C7 vertebra intersects a horizontal line, and the shoulder angle is formed when a horizontal line passing through the lateral shoulder meets the line drawn from C7 to the lateral shoulder.

2.5. Statistical Analysis

Data analyses were performed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0. (IBM-SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA) The statistician was blinded to group allocation for all analyses. An independent t-test and the χ2 test was performed in order to compare general characteristics between the two groups. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyze the changes in variables between groups over time and main effect comparisons were performed. Post-hoc analysis was performed through independent t-test and paired t-test using Bonferroni methods. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

3. Results

3.1. Participant Characteristics

A total of 53 participants were recruited, all of whom were women. Fifteen individuals were excluded from participating; 13 did not meet the inclusion criteria and two declined to participate. Because individuals scheduled their problems, in the intervention group, one individual did not participate in the final assessment. In the control group, two individuals declined to participate after allocation. However, there were no complaints or dropout due to the intensity of the intervention except for those who were dropped out for the above reasons. A total of 35 patients completed the study. Figure 1 shows the participant flow through the enrollment, allocation, assessment, and analysis stages.
There were no significant differences between the intervention and control groups in terms of the general participant characteristics (age, height, weight, and body mass index) (Table 1). Additionally, there are no significant differences in the baseline values of the outcome variables assessed in this study between the two groups.

3.2. Primary Outcomes

3.2.1. Pain Intensity

As shown in Table 2, compared to neck stabilization exercise alone, salt pack therapy combined with neck stabilization exercise significantly improved pain intensity over time at rest (p < 0.001) and during movement (p < 0.001). The intervention group showed a significantly decreased pain intensity at rest (p < 0.001) and during movement (p < 0.001) after the intervention. The control group also showed a significantly decreased pain intensity at rest (p = 0.009) and during movement (p = 0.001).

3.2.2. Pain Pressure Threshold

A significant increase in the PPT for the upper trapezius (p = 0.002), levator scapula (p < 0.001), and splenius capitis (p < 0.001) was observed in the groups over time (Table 2). In comparison with the control, the intervention group showed a significant improvement in PPT for the upper trapezius (p = 0.002), levator scapula (p < 0.001), and splenius capitis (p = 0.001). Both thermotherapy with neck stabilization exercise (upper trapezius, p < 0.001; levator scapula, p < 0.001; splenius capitis, p < 0.001) and neck stabilization exercise alone (upper trapezius, p = 0.014; levator scapula, p = 0.018; splenius capitis, p = 0.015) significantly increased PPT after treatment.

3.2.3. Neck Disability

Significant improvement in disability due to neck pain was observed in groups over time (p = 0.005, Table 2). Interestingly, salt pack with neck stabilization exercise yielded significant improvements in disability due to neck pain in comparison with the improvements obtained with neck stability exercise alone (p = 0.005). The intervention group showed significant increases in NDI scores (p < 0.001). However, the control group did not show a significant change in NDI after neck stability exercise.

3.3. Secondary Outcomes

3.3.1. Muscle Properties

In comparison with the control group, the intervention group showed a significant improvement over time in muscle tone (upper trapezius, p = 0.021), stiffness (upper trapezius, p = 0.017; levator scapula, p = 0.025; splenius capitis, p = 0.012), and elasticity (levator scapula, p = 0.035) (Table 3). The intervention group also showed significant differences in muscle tone (upper trapezius, p < 0.001; levator scapula, p = 0.003; splenius capitis, p = 0.006), stiffness (upper trapezius, p < 0.001; levator scapula, p < 0.001; splenius capitis, p < 0.001), and elasticity (upper trapezius, p = 0.001; levator scapula, p < 0.001; splenius capitis, p = 0.001) after the intervention. However, the control group did not show significant improvements in muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity after neck stabilization exercise.

3.3.2. Cervical and Shoulder Alignments

In assessments of neck posture correction, cervical (p = 0.016) and shoulder (p < 0.001) alignments significantly improved in the groups over time (Table 4). As shown in Table 4, cervical (p < 0.001) and shoulder (p < 0.001) angles significantly improved after salt pack therapy with neck stabilization exercise. However, the control group did not show significant improvements in cervical and shoulder angles. Salt pack combined with neck stabilization exercise was not significantly more effective than neck stabilization exercise only.

4. Discussion

This study aimed to compare the effects of thermotherapy combined with neck stabilization exercise to those of neck stabilization exercise alone on chronic nonspecific neck pain. This study is the first investigation to demonstrate that 10 sessions of salt pack thermotherapy plus neck stabilization exercise provide benefits that are superior to those of neck stability exercise alone on pain intensity, PPT, neck disability, muscle properties, and body alignment in individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain. These results may provide evidence to use salt pack therapy plus neck stabilization exercise as a complementary intervention for relief from nonspecific neck pain.
Previous studies have reported the effects of therapeutic exercise, including neck stabilization exercise, with or without thermotherapy on nonspecific musculoskeletal pain and disability [8,9,10,11,12,34,37,38,39]. Our study also demonstrated that both thermotherapy using a salt pack plus neck stabilization exercise and neck stabilization exercise alone had significant effects in reducing pain intensity, increasing PPT, and improving disability. Interestingly, in comparison with neck stabilization exercise alone, the intervention group also showed significantly better neck pain control. In the study by Cramor et al. [12] both the thermotherapy and non-thermotherapy groups received their usual medication and physical therapy regimens during the study period, with the thermotherapy group receiving thermotherapy using mud packs; their findings suggested that the additional thermotherapy significantly alleviated nonspecific neck pain. Thermotherapy has been shown to effectively alleviate pain and improve somatosensory function in individuals with chronic neck pain [12]. The results of previous studies that applied thermotherapy with exercise for low back pain control support our findings [11]. In addition to the thermal effect, it appears that there is also the effect of FIR emitted from the bay salt. FIR can provide pain control and increased blood flow [40]. This effect of FIR may contribute to pain reduction and changes in muscle characteristics. The superiority of the intervention group may be explained by a reduction in pain intensity [11,12,37] and improvement in muscle flexibility [41] as a result of thermotherapy prior to neck stabilization exercise. These changes in pain intensity and PPT may have resulted in the decreased neck disability evidenced by the NDI results.
This study showed significant time and group interactions of PPT, and both intervention and control groups showed significant improvements in PPT. Prior studies have also reported that thermotherapy has a greater influence on PPT in comparison with other treatments for chronic neck pain [38,42]. However, a previous study [12] reported no significant change in PPT after thermotherapy application. That study explained that with hyperalgesia pressure is maintained by central sensitization in patients with chronic neck pain [43] and that thermotherapy had no effect on central sensitization. The discrepancies between the findings of our study and that study may be attributable to the alteration of pain memories associated with central sensitization in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain via exercise [44]. A previous study [9] reported significant improvement in the PPT on the middle point of the upper trapezius in patients with nonspecific neck pain after neck stabilization exercise, which supports our results for PPT.
This study also examined the changes in muscle properties of the neck/shoulder in both groups. The intervention group demonstrated significantly decreased muscle tone, stiffness and elasticity, but the control group did not show significant changes in muscle properties. Thermotherapy increases the temperature of and blood flow to the muscle and reduces muscle fatigue [14,15,16], which may decrease muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity. In addition, significant recovery of these muscle properties and neck pain may be associated with the significant differences in the effects on cervical and shoulder alignment between the two groups. Previous studies have reported that the high tone of the upper trapezius is associated with the forward neck [45,46], and that increased tone and stiffness of the neck and shoulder muscles can be a major physical factor for neck pain [47,48]. Our results showed a significant reduction in tone and stiffness of the neck and shoulder muscles, neck pain, and forward neck and round shoulder in the intervention group. These results showed that changes in muscle characteristics due to thermotherapy combined with neck stabilization exercise had a significant effect on neck and shoulder alignment and neck pain.
In the intervention group of this study, the intervention time for one session is more than one hour, which may be burdensome to the body. The participant’s condition was continuously checked during and after the intervention, and there were no adverse symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and delayed onset muscle soreness. Moreover, there were no complaints about the interventions, and no participants dropped out due to problems with interventions. It seems that there was no problem because active intervention (neck stabilization exercise) was performed for only 40 min and then thermos-intervention was performed for 30 min.
There are some limitations to the present study. First, since the current study assessed the findings only after 10 sessions applied over 5 days, a thorough understanding of the effects of repeated thermotherapy with neck stability exercises over longer periods is necessary to evaluate the clinical use of salt pack interventions. Second, all participants in this study were women, even though sex was not an inclusion/exclusion criterion in this study. To obtain more generalizable conclusions relating to the efficacy of the salt pack combined with neck stabilization exercise for chronic nonspecific neck pain, further studies with suitable sex ratios may be needed. Third, although this feasibility study showed significant effects on pain intensity, PPT, muscle properties, and aliment in individuals with chronic nonspecific neck pain, the small sample size may limit the generalizability of these results.

5. Conclusions

According to the results of this study, salt pack thermotherapy combined with neck stabilization exercise is superior to neck stabilization exercise alone for chronic nonspecific neck pain control. However, to generalize the clinical use of this intervention for management of nonspecific neck pain, further studies with larger sample sizes and longer periods of application are needed.

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, S.-C.H., H.-Y.C.; Data curation, H.-J.S., S.-H.K.; Investigation, H.-J.S., S.-H.K.; Formal analysis, S.-C.H.; Funding acquisition, H.-Y.C.; Project administration, S.-C.H.; Methodology, S.-C.H., H.-J.S., S.-H.K.; Visualization, H.-J.S., S.-H.K.; Writing–original draft, H.-J.S., S.-H.K.; Writing–review and editing, S.-C.H. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript.

Funding

This research was a part of the project entitled “The base study to discover and to commercialize for the resources of sea healing to activate marine industry”, funded by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Republic of Korea (20170242).

Conflicts of Interest

The authors of this study have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Appendix A

Table
Table A1. Emissivity and emission power of the far infrared radiation by 45 °C bay salt.
Table A1. Emissivity and emission power of the far infrared radiation by 45 °C bay salt.
Emissivity (5~20 μm)Emission Power (W/m2·μm)
0.90003.89 × 102
Ijerph 17 05572 g0a1 550
Figure A1. Cervical and shoulder angles.
Figure A1. Cervical and shoulder angles.
Ijerph 17 05572 g0a1

References

  1. Fejer, R.; Kyvik, K.O.; Hartvigsen, J. The prevalence of neck pain in the world population: A systematic critical review of the literature. Eur. Spine J. 2006, 15, 834–848. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  2. Son, K.M.; Cho, N.H.; Lim, S.H.; Kim, H.A. Prevalence and risk factor of neck pain in elderly Korean community residents. J. Korean Med. Sci. 2013, 28, 680–686. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  3. Binder, A. The diagnosis and treatment of nonspecific neck pain and whiplash. Eur. Med. 2007, 43, 79–89. [Google Scholar]
  4. Tsakitzidis, G.; Remmen, R.; Peremans, L.; Van Royen, P.; Duchesnes, C.; Paulus, D.; Eyssen, M. Non-Specific neck pain: Diagnosis and treatment. Good Clin. Pract. 2009. KCE Reports 119C. D/2009/10.273/56. [Google Scholar]
  5. Gross, A.R.; Haines, T.; Goldsmith, C.H.; Santaguida, L.; McLaughlin, L.M.; Peloso, P.; Burnie, S.; Hoving, J. Knowledge to action: A challenge for neck pain treatment. J. Orthop. Sports Phys. Ther. 2009, 39, 351–363. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  6. Graham, N.; Gross, A.R.; Carlesso, L.C.; Santaguida, P.L.; Macdermid, J.C.; Walton, D.; Ho, E. An ICON Overview on Physical Modalities for Neck Pain and Associated Disorders. Open Orthop. J. 2013, 7, 440–460. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  7. O’Riordan, C.; Clifford, A.; Van De Ven, P.; Nelson, J. Chronic neck pain and exercise interventions: Frequency, intensity, time, and type principle. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2014, 95, 770–783. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  8. Celenay, S.T.; Kaya, D.O.; Akbayrak, T. Cervical and scapulothoracic stabilization exercises with and without connective tissue massage for chronic mechanical neck pain: A prospective, randomised controlled trial. Man. Ther. 2016, 21, 144–150. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  9. Celenay, S.T.; Akbayrak, T.; Kaya, D.O. A Comparison of the Effects of Stabilization Exercises Plus Manual Therapy to Those of Stabilization Exercises Alone in Patients With Nonspecific Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J. Orthop. Sports Phys. Ther. 2016, 46, 44–55. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  10. Dusunceli, Y.; Ozturk, C.; Atamaz, F.; Hepguler, S.; Durmaz, B. Efficacy of neck stabilization exercises for neck pain: A randomized controlled study. J. Rehabil. Med. 2009, 41, 626–631. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  11. Hahm, S.C.; Shin, H.J.; Lee, M.G.; Lee, S.J.; Cho, H.Y. Mud Therapy Combined with Core Exercise for Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Pilot, Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial. Evid. Based Complement. Alternat. Med. 2020, 2020, 7547452. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  12. Cramer, H.; Baumgarten, C.; Choi, K.E.; Lauche, R.; Saha, F.J.; Musial, F.; Dobos, G. Thermotherapy self-treatment for neck pain relief—A randomized controlled trial. Eur. J. Integr. Med. 2012, 4, e371–e378. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  13. Nadler, S.F.; Weingand, K.; Kruse, R.J. The physiologic basis and clinical applications of cryotherapy and thermotherapy for the pain practitioner. Pain Physician 2004, 7, 395–399. [Google Scholar] [PubMed]
  14. Erasala, G.; Rubin, J.; Tuthill, T.; Fowlkes, J.; de Drue, S.; Hengehold, D.; Weingand, K.J. The effect of topical heat treatment on trapezius muscle blood flow using power Doppler ultrasound. Phys. Ther. 2001, 81, A5. [Google Scholar]
  15. Nadler, S.F.; Deprince, M.L.; Stitik, T.P.; Hendgehold, D.; Weingand, K. Experimentally induced trapezius fatigue and the effects of topical heat on the EMG power density spectrum. Am. J. Phys. Med. Rehab. 1999, 80, 1123. [Google Scholar]
  16. Mulkern, R.; McDannold, N.; Hynynen, K.; Fielding, J.; Panych, L.; Jolesz, F.; Weingand, K. Temperature Distribution Changes in Low Back Muscles during Applied Topical Heat: A Magnetic Resonance Thermometry Study. In Proceedings of the 7th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Magnetic Resonance, in Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA, 22–28 May 1999; p. 1054. [Google Scholar]
  17. Strickler, T.; Malone, T.; Garrett, W.E. The effects of passive warming on muscle injury. Am. J. Sports Med. 1990, 18, 141–145. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  18. Petrofsky, J.; Laymon, M.; Lee, H. Local heating of trigger points reduces neck and plantar fascia pain. J. Back Musculoskelet. Rehabil. 2020, 33, 21–28. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  19. Petrofsky, J.S.; Laymon, M.; Alshammari, F.; Khowailed, I.A.; Lee, H. Use of low level of continuous heat and Ibuprofen as an adjunct to physical therapy improves pain relief, range of motion and the compliance for home exercise in patients with nonspecific neck pain: A randomized controlled trial. J. Back Musculoskelet. Rehabil. 2017, 30, 889–896. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  20. Robertson, V.J.; Ward, A.R.; Jung, P. The effect of heat on tissue extensibility: A comparison of deep and superficial heating. Arch. Phys. Med. Rehabil. 2005, 86, 819–825. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  21. Knight, C.A.; Rutledge, C.R.; Cox, M.E.; Acosta, M.; Hall, S.J. Effect of superficial heat, deep heat, and active exercise warm-up on the extensibility of the plantar flexors. Phys. Ther. 2001, 81, 1206–1214. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  22. Oshima-Saeki, C.; Taniho, Y.; Arita, H.; Fujimoto, E. Lower-limb warming improves sleep quality in elderly people living in nursing homes. Sleep Sci. 2017, 10, 87–91. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  23. Saeki, Y. Effect of local application of cold or heat for relief of pricking pain. Nurs. Health Sci. 2002, 4, 97–105. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  24. Vakilinia, S.R.; Vaghasloo, M.A.; Aliasl, F.; Mohammadbeigi, A.; Bitarafan, B.; Etripoor, G.; Asghari, M. Evaluation of the efficacy of warm salt water foot-bath on patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A randomized clinical trial. Complement. Ther. Med. 2020, 49, 102325. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  25. Tishler, M.; Shoenfeld, Y. The medical and scientific aspects of spa therapy. Isr. J. Med. Sci. 1996, 32, S8–S10. [Google Scholar]
  26. Cerezo-Téllez, E.; Torres-Lacomba, M.; Fuentes-Gallardo, I.; Perez-Muñoz, M.; Mayoral-Del-Moral, O.; Lluch-Girbés, E.; Prieto-Valiente, L.; Falla, D. Effectiveness of dry needling for chronic nonspecific neck pain: A randomized, single-blinded, clinical trial. Pain 2016, 157, 1905–1917. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  27. Cohen, J. Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences; Academic Press: New York, NY, USA, 2013. [Google Scholar]
  28. Kim, J.; Shin, W. How to do random allocation (randomization). Clin. Orthop. Surg. 2014, 6, 103–109. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  29. Garra, G.; Singer, A.J.; Leno, R.; Taira, B.R.; Gupta, N.; Mathaikutty, B.; Thode, H.J. Heat or cold packs for neck and back strain: A randomized controlled trial of efficacy. Acad. Emerg. Med. 2010, 17, 484–489. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  30. Crichton, N. Visual analogue scale (VAS). J. Clin. Nurs. 2001, 10, 697–706. [Google Scholar]
  31. Lauche, R.; Cramer, H.; Langhorst, J.; Michalsen, A.; Dobos, G.J. Reliability and validity of the pain on movement questionnaire (POM) in chronic neck pain. Pain Med. 2014, 15, 1850–1856. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  32. Hahm, S.-C.; Suh, H.R.; Cho, H.Y. The effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on pain, muscle strength, balance, and gait in individuals with dementia: A double blind, pilot randomized controlled trial. Eur. J. Integr. Med. 2019, 29, 100932. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  33. Cleland, J.A.; Fritz, J.M.; Whitman, J.M.; Palmer, J.A. The reliability and construct validity of the Neck Disability Index and patient specific functional scale in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Spine 2006, 31, 598–602. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  34. Lluch, E.; Arguisuelas, M.D.; Coloma, P.S.; Palma, F.; Rey, A.; Falla, D. Effects of deep cervical flexor training on pressure pain thresholds over myofascial trigger points in patients with chronic neck pain. J. Manip. Physiol. Ther. 2013, 36, 604–611. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  35. Gapeyeva, H.; Vain, A. Methodical Guide: Principles of Applying Myoton in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Muomeetria Ltd.: Tartu, Estonia, 2008. [Google Scholar]
  36. Singla, D.; Veqar, Z.; Hussain, M.E. Photogrammetric Assessment of Upper Body Posture Using Postural Angles: A Literature Review. J. Chiropr. Med. 2017, 16, 131–138. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed] [Green Version]
  37. Koyuncu, E.; Ökmen, B.M.; Özkuk, K.; Taşoğlu, Ö.; Özgirgin, N. The effectiveness of balneotherapy in chronic neck pain. Clin. Rheumatol. 2016, 35, 2549–2555. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  38. Cramer, H.; Lauche, R.; Hohmann, C.; Lüdtke, R.; Haller, H.; Michalsen, A.; Langhorst, J.; Dobos, G. Randomized-controlled trial comparing yoga and home-based exercise for chronic neck pain. Clin. J. Pain 2013, 29, 216–223. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  39. Lansinger, B.; Larsson, E.; Persson, L.C.; Carlsson, J.Y. Qigong and exercise therapy in patients with long-term neck pain: A prospective randomized trial. Spine 2007, 32, 2415–2422. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  40. Vatansever, F.; Hamblin, M.R. Far infrared radiation (FIR): Its biological effects and medical applications. Photonics Lasers Med. 2012, 4, 255–266. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  41. Lentell, G.; Hetherington, T.; Eagan, J.; Morgan, M. The use of thermal agents to influence the effectiveness of a low-load prolonged stretch. J. Orthop. Sports Phys. Ther. 1992, 16, 200–207. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
  42. Hohmann, C.; Lauche, R.; Choi, K.E.; Saha, F.; Rampp, T.; Dobos, G.; Musial, F. Quantitative sensory testing in patients with chronic neck pain before and after the application of the acupressure pad—A randomized, controlled pilot study. Eur. J. Integr. Med. 2009, 1, 212–213. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  43. Sterling, M. Testing for sensory hypersensitivity or central hyperexcitability associated with cervical spine pain. J. Manip. Physiol. Ther. 2008, 31, 534–539. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  44. Nijs, J.; Lluch Girbés, E.; Lundberg, M.; Malfliet, A.; Sterling, M. Exercise therapy for chronic musculoskeletal pain: Innovation by altering pain memories. Man. Ther. 2015, 20, 216–220. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  45. Yip, C.H.; Chiu, T.T.; Poon, A.T. The relationship between head posture and severity and disability of patients with neck pain. Man. Ther. 2008, 13, 148–154. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  46. Fernández-de-Las-Peñas, C.; Cuadrado, M.L.; Pareja, J.A. Myofascial trigger points, neck mobility and forward head posture in unilateral migraine. Cephalalgia 2006, 26, 1061–1070. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  47. Ijmker, S.; Huysmans, M.A.; Blatter, B.M.; van der Beek, A.J.; van Mechelen, W.; Bongers, P.M. Should office workers spend fewer hours at their computer? A systematic review of the literature. Occup. Environ. Med. 2007, 64, 211–222. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [PubMed]
  48. Wahlström, J. Ergonomics, musculoskeletal disorders and computer work. Occup. Med. 2005, 55, 168–176. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef] [Green Version]
Ijerph 17 05572 g001 550
Figure 1. Flow diagram of study participants.
Figure 1. Flow diagram of study participants.
Ijerph 17 05572 g001
Table
Table 1. General characteristics of the participants.
Table 1. General characteristics of the participants.
VariableIntervention Group
(n = 18)		Control Group
(n = 17)		P
 Age (years)68.06 ± 4.7166.24 ± 4.710.261
 Height (m)1.54 ± 0.041.53 ± 0.030.299
 Weight (kg)58.92 ± 7.5257.34 ± 4.680.457
 BMI (kg/m2)24.73 ± 2.9324.5 ± 1.800.780
 VAS at rest (cm)4.78 ± 1.114.53 ± 1.370.560
 Onset duration (month)15.33 ± 7.7614.29 ± 7.740.694
 Job context †
  Working13 (72.22)11 (64.71)0.632
  Non-working5 (27.78)6 (35.29)
Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation or number (%) †. BMI, body mass index; P, p-value; VAS, visual analogue scale.
Table
Table 2. The changes in pain intensity, pain pressure threshold, and neck disability.
Table 2. The changes in pain intensity, pain pressure threshold, and neck disability.
Outcome/GroupBaselineTwo Weeks
Post-Treatment		P (Pairwise Comparison)P (T * G)
VAS at rest(cm)
Intervention group4.78 ± 1.111.17 ± 1.04<0.001<0.001
Control group4.53 ± 1.373.41 ± 1.280.009
VAS during movement(cm)
Intervention group6.75 ± 1.062.28 ± 1.41<0.001<0.001
Control group6.06 ± 1.144.53 ± 1.370.001
PPT_Upper trapezius (kg)
Intervention group2.41 ± 0.504.28 ± 1.38<0.0010.002
Control group2.56 ± 0.753.22 ± 0.870.014
PPT_Levator scapula (kg)
Intervention group2.07 ± 0.514.12 ± 1.18<0.001<0.001
Control group2.38 ± 0.892.99 ± 0.830.018
PPT_Splenius capitis (kg)
Intervention group2.56 ± 0.934.52 ± 0.84<0.0010.001
Control group2.90 ± 0.873.55 ± 0.780.015
NDI (%)
Intervention group36.11 ± 12.8816.56 ± 10.56<0.0010.005
Control group33.65 ± 11.9227.29 ± 10.790.052
Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. P, p-value; T * G, time and group interaction; VAS, visual analog scale; PPT, pain pressure threshold; NDI, neck disability index.
Table
Table 3. The changes in muscle characteristics.
Table 3. The changes in muscle characteristics.
Outcome/Group.BaselineTwo Weeks
Post-Treatment		P (Pairwise Comparison)P (T * G)
Upper trapezius
Tone (Hz)
Intervention group13.71 ± 2.2511.64 ± 0.91<0.0010.021
Control group14.19 ± 2.7213.88 ± 3.430.552
Stiffness (N/m)
Intervention group255.56 ± 19.25229.83 ± 27.64<0.0010.017
Control group260.94 ± 11.33254.88 ± 32.140.288
Elasticity (logarithm)
Intervention group1.69 ± 0.261.97 ± 0.420.0010.079
Control group1.59 ± 0.231.67 ± 0.310.328
Levator scapula
Tone (Hz)
Intervention group19.03 ± 1.8917.04 ± 2.230.0030.129
Control group20.11 ± 2.6619.48 ± 3.100.331
Stiffness (N/m)
Intervention group335.78 ± 48.50280.06 ± 53.92<0.0010.025
Control group345.00 ± 48.90333.35 ± 54.750.393
Elasticity (logarithm)
Intervention group1.42 ± 0.171.65 ± 0.23<0.0010.035
Control group1.38 ± 0.141.44 ± 0.250.325
Splenius capitis
Tone (Hz)
Intervention group21.01 ± 1.6519.07 ± 2.690.0060.094
Control group21.18 ± 2.4720.88 ± 3.50.655
Stiffness (N/m)
Intervention group388.56 ± 48.13332.22 ± 52.88<0.0010.012
Control group395.24 ± 51.39385.59 ± 59.320.449
Elasticity (logarithm)
Intervention group1.49 ± 0.151.64 ± 0.230.0010.101
Control group1.48 ± 0.151.53 ± 0.240.296
Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. P, p-value; T * G, time and group interaction.
Table
Table 4. The changes in cervical and shoulder alignment.
Table 4. The changes in cervical and shoulder alignment.
Outcome/GroupBaselineTwo Weeks
Post-Treatment		P (Pairwise comparison)P (T * G)
Cervical angle (degree)
Intervention group48.06 ± 6.3150.26 ± 6.22<0.0010.016
Control group50.12 ± 4.6250.59 ± 5.430.352
Shoulder angle (degree)
Intervention group60.49 ± 4.5765.86 ± 4.64<0.001<0.001
Control group62.18 ± 5.4962.97 ± 6.300.293
Data are expressed as mean ± standard deviation. P, p-value; T * G, time and group interaction.

Share and Cite

MDPI and ACS Style

Shin, H.-J.; Kim, S.-H.; Hahm, S.-C.; Cho, H.-Y. Thermotherapy Plus Neck Stabilization Exercise for Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain in Elderly: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial. Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2020, 17, 5572. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155572

AMA Style

Shin H-J, Kim S-H, Hahm S-C, Cho H-Y. Thermotherapy Plus Neck Stabilization Exercise for Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain in Elderly: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2020; 17(15):5572. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155572

Chicago/Turabian Style

Shin, Ho-Jin, Sung-Hyeon Kim, Suk-Chan Hahm, and Hwi-Young Cho. 2020. "Thermotherapy Plus Neck Stabilization Exercise for Chronic Nonspecific Neck Pain in Elderly: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial" International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 17, no. 15: 5572. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17155572

Note that from the first issue of 2016, this journal uses article numbers instead of page numbers. See further details here.

Article Metrics

Back to TopTop