Methods: This was a blinded cross-sectional study. Participants with chronic neck pain (n = 30) and asymptomatic participants (n = 30) were included in the study. To measure pain in the neck region, the Numeric Rating Scale, Neck Disability Index, and Pain-Related Catastrophizing Thoughts Scale were applied. The assessment of postural balance and mobility of the lower limbs was made using the Timed Up and Go Test, Functional Reach Test (FRT), Lateral Reach Test, and 30-second Chair Stand Test.
Results: No statistically (P > .05) and clinically (d < 0.50) significant differences were identified for the variables tested here. However, regarding the correlations, a significant association was identified only between the intensity of pain during cervical movements and FRT (r = –0.312).
Conclusion: Young adults with chronic neck pain present changes in static balance measured by means of the FRT; that is, the higher the intensity of pain, the lower the anteroposterior excursion of the body during the execution of the test.
Author keywords: Neck Pain, Musculoskeletal Pain, Postural Balance
Author affiliations: PKAG, RBCS, IMDdeFreitas, CDSS, NTdeSousa: Department of Physical Therapy, Tiradentes University Center, Maceió, AL, Brazil; CAPFG: Department of Physical Therapy, Nove de Julho University, São Paulo, SP, Brazil; AVD-F: Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Maranhão, São Luís, MA, Brazil
This abstract is reproduced with the permission of the publisher; full text is available by subscription. Click on the above link and select a publisher from PubMed's LinkOut feature.
