Does the use of analgesic current therapies increase the effectiveness of neck stabilization exercises for improving pain, disability, mood, and quality of life in chronic neck pain? a randomized, controlled, single-blind study
Analgesic therapies; such as interferential current (IFC) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) have been applied solo or combined with exercise for management of neck pain (NP), however, the efficacy of these combinations are unclear. In this study, our objective were to determine if TENS or IFC increase the effectiveness of neck stabilization exercises on pain, disability, mood, and quality of life for chronic NP. 81 patients with chronic NP were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned into 3 groups; Group I: neck stabilization exercise, Group II: TENS+ neck stabilization exercise and Group III: IFC+ neck stabilization exercise. Patients' pain levels (visual analogue scale (VAS)), quality of life (short form- 36), mood (Beck depression inventory (BDI)), levels of disability (Neck Pain and Disability Index) and the need for analgesics were evaluated prior to treatment, at 6th and 12th week follow-up. All participants had group exercise accompanied by a physiotherapist for 3 weeks and an additional 3 weeks of home exercise program.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
81
Hilal Yesil
Afyonkarahisar, Eyalet/Yerleşke, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change from baseline VAS (Visual analog scale) at 6th and 12th weeks
The patients were asked to make an assessment of their pain between 0 (no pain) and 10 (severe pain).
Time frame: Up to12 weeks
Change from baseline quality of life (short form- 36) at 6th and 12th weeks
This is a self-administered scale, which is widely used to measure the quality of life. It was developed to measure the quality of life in patients who have physical illnesses; however, it can also be successfully used in healthy individuals and patients who have psychiatric diseases. SF-36 includes 36 items and surveys eight domains of health, such as physical functionality, physical role limitations, pain, general health, vitality, social functionality, emotional role limitations, and mental health.
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks
Change from baseline Beck depression inventory (BDI) at 6th and 12th weeks
The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI); was used to assess the depression levels of the patients. The BDI evaluates 21 symptoms of depression. These symptoms deal with emotions, behavioral changes, and somatic symptoms. Each symptom is rated on a 4-point intensity scale. Higher scores indicate more severe depression
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks
Change from baseline Neck Pain and Disability Index at 6th and 12th weeks
The questionnaire consists of 20 items and measures neck movements, pain intensity, effect of neck pain on emotion factors, and interference with daily life activities. Each section is scored on a 0-5 rating scale and total score ranges from 0 to 100.
Time frame: Up to 12 weeks
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.