《Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice》 ›› 2023, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (2): 214-222.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2023.02.010

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Effect of therapeutic exercise on functional disability and quality of life in patients with forward head posture and neck pain: a meta-analysis

SUN Ximei, LIU Hua(), CHAI Liangwei, LI Kaiyang, MA Jing   

  1. Capital University of Physical Education and Sports, Beijing 100191, China
  • Received:2022-05-11 Revised:2022-08-24 Published:2023-02-25 Online:2023-03-16
  • Contact: LIU Hua E-mail:liuhua@cupes.edu.cn
  • Supported by:
    Supported by Quality Undergraduate Programme in Beijing Universities No(145122005/004);Beijing Higher Education "Undergraduate Teaching Reform Innovation Project" No(145122002/007)

Abstract:

Objective To systematically analyze the effect of therapeutic exercise on neck function and quality of life in patients with neck pain and forward head posture. Methods Randomized controlled trials about the effects of exercise training on forward head posture and neck pain were searched from PubMed, Web of science, Embase, Medline, Science Direct, EBSCO, Springlink, CNKI, VIP, and Wanfang Data from database establishment to April, 2022. The literature was screened by two researchers independently. Cochrane bias risk assessment tool and Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale were used to evaluate the quality of the included articles. Revman 5.4 software was used for meta-analysis. Results A total of 416 patients from eleven literatures were included. Level 1a evidence indicated scapula stability training could effectively improve cranial vertebral angle (MD = 3.62, 95%CI 2.41 to 4.83, P < 0.001), and relieve pain (MD = 1.32, 95%CI 0.18 to 2.46, P = 0.02). Level 1b evidence indicated scapula stability training could reduce functional disability (MD = -0.92, 95%CI -1.11 to -0.74, P < 0.001). Level 1b evidence indicated deep cervical flexor training could improve cranial vertebral angle (MD = -0.83, 95%CI -1.56 to -0.10, P = 0.03), relieve pain (MD = 0.93, 95%CI 0.54 to 1.32, P < 0.001), and improve neck functional disability (MD = 2.17, 95%CI 1.39 to 2.95, P < 0.001). Conclusion Scapula stability training and deep cervical flexor training can effectively improve cranial vertebral angle, relieve neck pain, and improve neck function.

Key words: forward head posture, neck pain, exercise, quality of life, neck function, meta-analysis

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