The effect of joint mobilization and deep neck flexor training on the range of motion in adults with non-specific neck dysfunction-a pilot study

Abstract

This study was conducted to identify the effects of mobilization, deep cervical flexor training(DCFT), and mixed training on the mobility of adults with nonspecific neck dysfunction. Thirty adults with nonspecific neck dysfunction were selected as subjects through the Korean version of the neck disability index (K-NDI) and classified into a joint mobilization group, deep neck flexor training group, and mixed group. They were then subjected to an intervention for four weeks. To examine the effect of the intervention on the range of motion of the neck, the range of motion of the neck before and after the experiment was measured. As the result of the four-week intervention, the flexion and extension of the joint mobilization group and the mixed group increased significantly compared to that of the deep neck flexor training group (p < .05). As a result, joint mobilization and mixed training for nonspecific neck dysfunction were effective in increasing the range of motion of the neck. Based on these results, an intervention program including joint mobility can be effective in treating adults with nonspecific neck dysfunction caused by various factors.