Abstract: Objective To explore the effect of active resistance exercise therapy on patients with chronic neck pain. Methods 39 femalepatients with neck pain more than 6 months were recruited in treatment group and received active resistance exercise therapy. 21 healthywomen were recruited in control group without any treatment. They were assessed with cervical curve (C2-7 Cobb's angle), CT attenuationvalue of cervical back muscle, neck muscular strength and endurance and visual analog scale (VAS) before and 12 months after treatment.Results Compared with the control group, the cervical curve of the treatment group was obviously less (P<0.05) and there was no significantdifference pre- and post-treatment P>0.05). The CT attenuation value of cervical back muscle was obviously less in the elder controlsthan in the middle aged ones (P<0.05); and was obviously less in the treatment group than in the controls (P<0.05), and not improved aftertreatment (P>0.05). Compared with the control group, neck muscular strength and endurance of the treatment group were obviously less (P<0.05), and improved after treatment (P<0.05). The score of VAS lowered 1 and 12 months after treatment (P<0.05). Conclusion Active resistanceexercise therapy can obviously improve neck muscular strength and endurance and relieve neck pain.

Key words: cervical spondylosis, chronic neck pain, active resistance exercise therapy, cervical rehabilitation apparatus