Effect of Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain on Isokinetic Characteristics of Rotator Cuff Muscles in Adults

Sixty-six participants of both sexes between (18 and 29 years old) were enrolled in this study. Thirty-three participants with Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain(CMNP) , thirty-three participants without CMNP. They were recruited from out-patient clinics of faculty of physical therapy, Cairo University.

instrumentation :neck pain intensity was determined by visual analogue scale , neck pain intensity was determined by neck disability index , isokinetic characteristics of rotator cuff muscles was determined by biodex isokinetic dynamometer .

Inclusion criteria

Subjects were included according to the following criteria:

• Thirty-three participants with Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain(CMNP) and Thirty-three healthy participants would be assigned into two groups; healthy control group (A) and CMNP group (B).
• Right and left- handed subjects.
• Both sexes between 18-29 years old
• (0-4 mm) no pain, (5-44 mm) mild pain, (45-74 mm) moderate pain, (75-100 mm) severe neck pain on visual analogue scale .
• Chronic neck pain > 12 weeks .
• They did not take any painkillers for the last 48 hours before assessment.

Exclusion criteria

Subjects were excluded if they have any of the following:

• Shoulder-related pain.
• The existence of any anomalies in the neck and shoulder areas.
• A history of trauma or severe illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, fibromyalgia, or any kind of tumor.
• Disc herniation; history of identifiable structural injury.
• Past incidents of whiplash injury.
• Prior surgery; fractures.
• Pregnancy.
• Any prior rehabilitative therapy received during the last three months.