Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 2020/04, 24(2):189-195. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2019.11.002, type of study: ,rct,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Full text    (https://www.bodyworkmovementtherapies.com/article/S1360-8592(19)30397-3/fulltext)

Keywords:

neck pain [179]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3945]
osteopathy [564]
cervical spine [319]
OMT [3924]
randomized controlled trial [947]

Abstract:

PURPOSE: To determine effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative treatment combined with stretching and strengthening exercises in the cervical region on pain and disability in individuals with non-specific chronic neck pain. METHODS: 90 adults with non-specific chronic neck pain were randomized to either exercises group (EG, n = 45) or osteopathic manipulative treatment associated with exercises group (OMT/EG, n = 45). The primary outcomes were obtained by the use of Numeric Pain-Rating Scale (NPRS), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) and Neck Disability Index (NDI). Secondary outcomes included range of motion (ROM) for cervical spine rotation, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire Work/Physical Activity (FABQ-W/PA) and Pain-self efficacy at two different moments: baseline and 4 weeks after the first treatment. Techniques and dosages of OMT were selected pragmatically by a registered osteopath. Generalized Estimating Equations model (GEE), complemented by the Least Significant Difference (LSD) and the intention-to-treat analysis, was used to assess the clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Analysis with GEE indicated that OMT/EG reduced pain and disability more than the EG alone after 4 weeks of treatment with statistically significant difference (p < 0,05), as well as cervical active rotation was significantly improved (p = 0.03). There were no between-group differences observed in Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT) measure, Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire and Pain-self efficacy. CONCLUSION: The association between OMT and exercises reduces pain and improves functional disability more than only exercise for individuals with non-specific chronic neck pain.