Effect of the gaze direction task on pain intensity, range of moti?on and isometri?c muscle endurance in chronic neck pain

Abstract

Background and aims: The aim of our study is to research the effect of the gaze direction recognition task on pain intensity, range of motion and isometric muscle endurance in subjects with chronic neck pain. Methods: In total 40 subjects (29-54 ages and 32 females, 8 males) volunteered for our study. The participants were randomly divided in two groups (Group 1 and Control Group). Both groups underwent combined physiotherapy program. Both groups received in total 15 sessions of therapy during 3 weeks, 5 days per week. The Group 1 has additionally underwent 15 sessions of Gaze Direction Recognition Tasks. Pain intensity statistically significant differences were recorded in terms of pain intensity, flexion, lateral flexion of both direction, right rotation range of motion, muscle strength and gaze direction recognition task scores between two groups. Pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), range of motion (universal goniometer), isometric muscle endurance (craniocervical test) and the Gaze direction recognition task assessments were repeated at baseline, after the treatment programme and 3 weeks after the last session. Results: After therapy, improvement was observed in terms of pain intensity, flexion, extension, lateral flexion, left rotation range of motion and isometric muscle strength in both groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: The Gaze Direction Recognition Tasks given additionally to the combined physiotherapy program has increased the efficiency of the treatment.