Effects of Cervical Stabilization Exercise in Violinists With Chronic Neck Pain

Cervical Stabilization Exercises Improved Pain, Disability, and Physical Impairments in University Violinists With Nonspecific Neck Pain

The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of a 6-week cervical stabilization exercise program in university violin players with chronic nonspecific neck pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• duration of playing the instrument longer than 5 years
• practicing the violin more than 5 hours/week
• constant neck pain for more than 3 months or at least 2 pain episodes in the last 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• previous surgery in the neck and shoulder regions
• current participation in a structured exercises program
• current treatment for neck and shoulder pain
• red flags suggesting of cancer, infection, vascular insufficiency, and etc. during history taking
• neurological symptoms of the upper extremities during screening tests (e.g. Spurling test and upper limb tension tests)