Investigation of Respiratory Muscle Strength, Endurance, and Postural Control in Individuals With Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain and Varying Degrees of Disability
Investigation of Respiratory Muscle Strength, Endurance, and Postural Control in Individuals With Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain and Varying Degrees of Disability
Neck pain is a common cause of disability worldwide, especially among middle-aged women in wealthy countries. It often occurs in episodes and can become chronic, affecting physical, psychological, emotional, and social aspects of life, which reduces quality of life for both patients and their families. Research has shown that neck pain is linked to problems with movement control, such as reduced neck mobility, increased activity in surface muscles, and poor body position awareness. These issues may lead to breathing problems because surface neck muscles are involved in inhalation. Studies have found that people with chronic neck pain have reduced lung function and altered breathing patterns compared to healthy individuals. However, no research has yet explored how respiratory endurance and balance control relate to neck pain severity. This study will assess respiratory muscle strength, endurance, and postural control in people with chronic neck pain. Participants will be divided into groups based on the severity of their neck disability, and their respiratory and balance measurements will be compared to healthy individuals. The goal is to understand whether worsening neck disability is associated with greater respiratory problems.
This study designed as cross-sectional study. Aim
The aim of this study is to investigate the presence of respiratory dysfunction in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain by evaluating respiratory muscle strength, endurance, and postural control. It also aims to classify the data obtained according to the severity of neck disability and to determine whether respiratory dysfunction is associated with the severity of neck involvement.
Research Hypotheses
H0: There is no difference in respiratory muscle strength, endurance, and postural control parameters between individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain and asymptomatic individuals.
H1: There is a difference in respiratory muscle strength, endurance, and postural control parameters between individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain and asymptomatic individuals.
H2: The severity of chronic non-specific neck pain has no effect on the degree of respiratory impairment.
H3: The severity of chronic non-specific neck pain has an effect on the degree of respiratory impairment.
Specific Objectives of the Study
To assess the severity of neck pain using the Neck Disability Index
To measure the respiratory muscle strength of participants
To measure the respiratory muscle endurance of participants
To evaluate the postural control of participants
To compare respiratory muscle strength, endurance, and postural control between individuals with neck pain and asymptomatic participants
To examine the relationship between the severity of neck pain and the extent of respiratory dysfunction
Inclusion Criteria:
Individuals diagnosed with Non-Specific Neck Pain by a physician
Having complaints of Non-Specific Neck Pain for at least 3 months
Aged between 18 and 65 years
Willingness to participate voluntarily
No diagnosed respiratory disease
No diagnosed cardiac disease
No diagnosed neuromuscular disease
Non-smoker
Exclusion Criteria:
Presence of radiculopathy or structural abnormalities in the cervical region
History of surgery on the cervical region
Upper respiratory tract infection within the last 3 months
History of surgery involving the chest cage or spine
Spinal deformities such as scoliosis or kyphosis
History of abdominal surgery
Inflammatory and rheumatological diseases
Presence of infection in the bone or soft tissue of the cervical spine
Presence of malignancy
Pregnancy