Effect of the gaze direction recognition task on pain intensity, range of motion and isometric muscle endurance in chronic neck pain

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Gaze Direction Recognition Task on pain intensity, range of motion and isometric muscle endurance in patients with chronic neck pain. Materials and Methods: A total of 40 participants (32 female, 8 male) aged between 29-54 years (mean age: 44.98 ± 6.38) participated voluntarily in our study. Participants were randomly divided in two groups (GDRT Group 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 GDRT Group has additionally underwent 15 sessions of Gaze Direction Recognition Tasks. Pain Intensity (Visual Analog Scale), range of motion (universal goniometer), isometric muscle endurance (craniocervical test) and the Gaze direction recognition task assessments were repeated before, after and 6 weeks after the treatment programme. Results: After therapy, improvement was observed in terms of pain intensity, flexion, extension, lateral flexion, left rotation range of motion and isometric muscle endurance in both groups (p<0.05). 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 (p<0.05). Conclusion: The Gaze Direction Recognition Tasks given additionally to the combined physiotherapy program has increased the efficiency of the treatment.