Comparison of trunk muscle endurance between women with and without chronic neck pain.

Purpose: To compare trunk flexor, extensor, and lateral flexor muscle endurance between women with moderate to severe disability due to chronic neck pain (CNP) and asymptomatic women.

Design: Observational case-control study.

Methods: Thirty women with CNP and Neck Disability Index scores ranging from 30% to 70% and 28 asymptomatic women were included. The visual analog scale was used to assess neck pain intensity at rest and during activity. To assess trunk muscles endurance, trunk flexor endurance test, Sorensen test, and side bridge endurance test were performed.

Results: Analysis of covariance indicated that neck pain group had lower body mass index-adjusted endurance times of trunk flexor, extensor, and lateral flexor muscles with large effect sizes (p < .001, η² = 0.378-0.696). Trunk flexor endurance time showed a moderately negative correlation with neck pain intensity at rest and a weakly negative correlation with neck disability score (r = -460 and -365, p < .05).

Conclusions: Women with moderate to severe disability due to CNP exhibited decreased trunk muscle endurance, which may be a predisposing factor for low back pain. Also, trunk flexor endurance was related to neck pain complaints. A holistic approach, addressing the entire spine rather than focusing solely on the cervical region, might be useful for managing CNP.

Clinical implications: The findings of reduced endurance in trunk muscles should consider incorporating interventions in the management of CNP to effectively address pain and disability.