Assessment of pain, scapulothoracic muscle strength, endurance and scapular dyskinesis in individuals with and without nonspecific chronic neck pain: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: This study is aimed to evaluate pain, muscle strength, scapular muscular endurance and scapular kinesis in individuals with Nonspecific Chronic Neck Pain and to compare them with asymptomatic individuals. In addition, to investigate the effect of mechanical changes in the scapular region on neck pain. METHOD: 40 individuals who applied to Kirikkale University Faculty of Medicine Hospital Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center and diagnosed with NSCNP and 40 asymptomatic individuals for the control group were included the study. Pain was evaluated with Visual Analogue Scale, pain threshold and pain tolerance with algometer, cervical deep flexor group muscle strength with Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback device, and neck and scapulothoracic muscle strength with Hand Held Dynamometer. Scapular Dyskinesia Test, Scapular Depression Test and Lateral Scapular Slide Test were used to evaluate scapular kinesis. A timer was used to evaluate scapular muscular endurance. RESULT: Pain threshold and pain tolerance values of the NSCNP group were lower (p < 0.05). Muscle strength around neck and scapulothoracic region of the NSCNP group were lower than the asymptomatic individuals (p < 0.05). NSCNP group had more scapular dyskinesia (p < 0.05). Scapular muscular endurance values of the NSCNP group were lower (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: As a result, pain threshold and pain tolerance decreased, muscle strength of the neck region and the scapular region decreased, scapular endurance values decreased and the incidence of scapular dyskinesia increased in the individuals with NSCNP compared to the asymptomatic individuals. It is thought that our study will provide a different perspective in the evaluation of neck pain and including the scapular region to the evaluations.

Effects of Inspiratory Muscle Training on Respiratory Muscle Strength, Trunk Control, Balance and Functional Capacity in Stroke Patients: A single-blinded randomized controlled study.

OBJECTIVE: Aim of the study was to examine the effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT) on respiratory function, respiratory muscle strength, trunk control, balance, and functional capacity in stroke patients. METHODS: 21 stroke individuals were randomly divided into two groups as control group and treatment group. Respiratory function test, Maximal Inspiratory Pressure (MIP) and Maximal Expiratory Pressure (MEP) were evaluated. Also, Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Six-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) were performed. Neurodevelopmental treatment program was performed in both groups for 5 days a week for 6 weeks, and IMT was given to the treatment group. IMT was started from 40% of MIP. RESULTS: After treatment, respiratory functions, respiratory muscle strength, and trunk control and balance improved in the treatment group. In the control group; however, only the balance level was improved. When the changes in the evaluation parameters between the groups were compared, there were only statistically significant differences in the TIS, Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF) and MIP in the treatment group (p˂0.05), the change amounts in other evaluation parameters were similar (p˃0.05). When the effect size of the groups was compared, the effect size of the variables in the treatment group was found to be higher. CONCLUSION: As a conclusion, IMT, which was given in addition to the neurological physiotherapy and rehabilitation program to our patients, improved inspiratory muscle strength and trunk control. We believe that this result will raise awareness for physiotherapists working in the field of neurological rehabilitation about including respiratory muscle training in the rehabilitation program of stroke patients.