Effect of Cervical Stabilization and Oculomotor Exercises on Position Sense With Chronic Neck Pain

Comparison the Effectiveness of Cervical Stabilization and Oculomotor Exercises in Addition to the Classical Physiotherapy on Pain Severity, Joint Position Sense and Physical Parameters in Individuals With Chronic Neck Pain

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of Cervical Stabilization and Oculomotor Exercises in addition to the classical physiotherapy on pain severity, cervical joint position sense, posture, cervical joint range of motion, strength and endurance of deep cervical flexor muscles, static and dynamic balance, neck awareness, functional disability and patient satisfaction in individuals with chronic neck pain. When the literature is examined, there is no study comparing the effectiveness of cervical stabilization and oculomotor exercises in individuals with chronic neck pain. However, it has also attracted our attention that a progressive and dynamic program was not followed in studies stating the oculomotor exercise program. In this sense, The study is important in terms of both comparing the effects of these 3 treatments and presenting a progressive and dynamic exercise protocol to the literature.

The Participants included in the study will be divided into 3 groups. Participants in Group 1 will receive cervical stabilization exercises in addition to the classical physiotherapy program, individuals in Group 2 will receive oculomotor exercises in addition to the classical physiotherapy program, and only the classical physiotherapy program will be applied to group 3.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, hotpack, classical massage and stretching/posture exercises will be given to participants within the scope of the Classical Physiotherapy program. In addition to the classical physiotherapy program, the participants in the 1st and 2nd groups will be given exercises that gradually increase in difficulty level, 3 days a week, for a total of 8 weeks, under the control of a physiotherapist. Participants in the 3rd group will be given only classical physiotherapy. At the same time, stretching and posture exercises will be performed under the control of a physiotherapist.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Men and women between the ages of 30-55,
• Neck pain for at least 3 months,
• Sedentary or non-regular exercise habit (3 days a week, less than 30 min of physical activity per day)
• According to the Numerical Pain Scale, the pain intensity is 4 cm and above

Exclusion Criteria:

• • Has received any physiotherapy program due to neck or back pain in the last 6 months,

  • Congenital anomaly in the cervical region (such as Klippel Feil Syndrome)
  • Having structural scoliosis at any level of the vertebral column,
  • Acute or chronic neurological deficits (sensory and motor loss),
  • With vertebrobasillary artery failure,
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome,
  • Any vestibular problem,
  • With marked diplopia and oculomotor muscle insufficiency,
  • Having a cervical rib,
  • Having a history of fractures in the cervical vertebrae,
  • Colorblind,
  • Suffering from whiplash injury,
  • Those with serious rheumatic diseases such as Ankylosing Spondylitis, Rheumatoid Arthritis
  • Having undergone spine surgery from any region,
  • Tumor or spinal cord compression due to another reason,
  • Using any pain reliever drug other than simple analgesics.
  • Those who have problems related to the lumbar region such as lumbal stenosis, lumbar disc herniation