2023, Vol. 27 ›› Issue (31): 5052-5057

Pressure biofeedback training for treating cervical spondylosis

Zhou Jinyan1, Zhong Yuanming1, Li Zhifei1, Xu Wei1, Zhang Jiali1, Liang Ziyang1, 2   

Abstract: BACKGROUND: As a new and objective method for the measurement and treatment of muscle training, pressure biofeedback can provide real-time feedback to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of deep neck flexor exercises. However, there are few reports on clinical studies related to pressure biofeedback and neck deep muscle exercise in China.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical efficacy of pressure biofeedback training combined with deep neck flexor exercises in patients with chronic neck pain.
METHODS: A total of 60 patients with chronic neck pain treated in the Out-Patient Department and Orthopedic Ward of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine from April to October 2021 were enrolled in this study. These patients were selected and divided into experimental group and control group. The former group used pressure biofeedback to perform deep neck flexor exercises, while the latter group performed regular deep neck flexor exercises. The primary outcome was the peak pressure measured by pressure biofeedback at each follow-up point (1, 2, and 3 months after treatment) and the secondary outcomes were peak pressure maintenance time as well as the Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire score.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) There were significant differences in peak pressure value and peak pressure maintenance time before and after exercises in the two groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the peak pressure value and maintenance time were significantly higher in the experimental group at each time point (P < 0.05). (2) The Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire score in each group was significantly lowered at each time point after exercises (P < 0.05), and the score in the experimental group was significantly lower than that in the control group at 2 and 3 months after exercises (P < 0.05). (3) To conclude, pressure biofeedback combined with deep neck flexor exercises can effectively alleviate the symptoms of chronic neck pain, feedback real-time exercise results for patients, and increase the sustainability of functional exercises, which is a simple, convenient, and low-cost treatment for neck pain and can be a part of the community re-education program for prophylaxis and treatment.

Key words: deep neck flexor exercise, pressure biofeedback, chronic neck pain, community rehabilitation, exercise therapy