Effect of the gaze effect of the gaze direction recognition exercise on pain intensity, balance and disability level in chronic neck pain

Abstract

Objectives: To determine contributions of the gaze direction recognition exercise (GDRE) to improve pain intensity, balance, and disability level among patients with chronic neck pain. Methods: Eligible 40 patients were randomized to physical therapy program (Group I) or physical therapy plus GDRE (Group II) and were scheduled to receive a 3-week treatment, 5 sessions in a week. Pain Intensity was measured by a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used to determine disability level. To evaluate balance ability, four step square test (FSST) and single leg balance test (SLBT) with eyes opened and closed were used. All measurements were applied before and after a 3-week treatment program. Results: VAS scores of the two groups decreased after the treatment program (p<0, 05). While there were significant differences in terms of balance ability and disability level in Group II after the treatment program (p< 0.05), no significant improvements were observed in Group I (p>0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that adding GDRE to the physical therapy program leads to much more improvements in balance ability and in disability level among patients with chronic neck pain. GDRE can have a positive impact on the treatment program.