Publications

Background: The prolonged use of smartphones may lead to cervical posture deformities and other associated issues. Among these conditions, cervical extension type is one of the most commonly observed, characterized by increased cervical lordosis, forward head posture, and thoracic kyphosis. These biomechanical changes may lead to neck pain, a restricted range of motion (ROM), and heightened cervical muscle tone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of combining cervical stabilization exercises with either scapular stabilization or thoracic exercises on the mechanical properties of cervical muscles, the pressure pain threshold (PPT), and the ROM in individuals with cervical extension type.

Methods: This study included 32 subjects with cervical extension type who were randomly divided into two groups: 16 subjects were placed in either the cervical and scapular stabilization exercises group (CSG) or the cervical stabilization with thoracic exercises group (CTG). After four weeks of exercise intervention, the following assessments were conducted: measurement of muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and upper trapezius (UT) muscles using MyotonPRO; evaluation of the PPT of the SCM and UT muscles using a pressure pain threshold meter; and assessment of cervical ROM (extension, flexion, and rotation) using motion analysis equipment.

Results: Both groups showed significant differences in muscle tone, stiffness, elasticity, PPT, and cervical ROM (p < 0.05). The PPT of the UT muscle was significantly improved in the CSG compared to the CTG (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: There were significant improvements in muscle tone, stiffness, elasticity, pain, and cervical ROM after exercise intervention in both groups of subjects with cervical extension. Cervical stabilization exercises, along with scapular stabilization, have better effects on improving UT muscle pain.

Keywords: cervical extension type, cervical stabilization, muscle tone, muscle elasticity, muscle stiffness

This study evaluated the impact of combining cervical stabilization exercises with either scapular stabilization or thoracic exercises on the mechanical properties of cervical muscles, PPT, and cervical ROM in individuals with cervical extension type. Combining cervical stabilization exercises with scapular stabilization exercises or thoracic exercises had a significant impact on pain, cervical ROM, and the mechanical properties of the cervical muscles in patients with cervical extension who had a similar FHP. Cervical stabilization exercises, combined with scapular stabilization exercises, have a better effect on improving UT muscle pain.