Introduction: The efficacy of a stabilization exercise for the relief of neck pain remains controversial. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the effectiveness of a stabilization exercise on neck pain.
Methods: We searched Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO Information Services, and the Cochrane Library databases through May 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the impact of a stabilization exercise on neck pain. This meta-analysis was performed using the random effects model.
Results: Six RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Compared with the control group of patients with neck pain, a stabilization exercise can significantly reduce pain scores at 4 to 6 weeks (mean difference [MD]: -2.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], -4.46 to -0.35; p = 0.02), Neck Disability Index [NDI] at 10 to 12 weeks (MD:- 6.75; 95% CI, -11.71 to -1.79; p = 0.008), and depression scale at 4 to 6 weeks (MD: -4.65; 95% CI, -7.00 to -2.31; p = 0.02), but it has no obvious impact on pain scores at 10 to 12 weeks (MD: -1.07; 95% CI, -3.42 to 1.28; p = 0.37) or at 6 months (MD: -1.02; 95% CI, -3.43 to 1.39; p = 0.41).
Conclusions: A stabilization exercise can provide some benefits to control neck pain.
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart ยท New York.