title: Effects of deep cervical flexor training on pressure pain thresholds over myofascial trigger points in patients with chronic neck pain.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a low-load training program for the deep cervical flexors (DCFs) on pain, disability, and pressure pain threshold (PPT) over cervical myofascial trigger points (MTrPs) in patients with chronic neck pain.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty patients with chronic idiopathic neck pain participated in a 6-week program of specific training for the DCF, which consisted of active craniocervical flexion performed twice per day (10-20 minutes) for the duration of the trial. Perceived pain and disability (Neck Disability Index, 0-50) and PPT over MTrPs of the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and splenius capitis muscles were measured at the beginning and end of the training period.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After completion of training, there was a significant reduction in Neck Disability Index values (before, 18.2 ± 12.1; after, 13.5 ± 10.6; P < .01). However, no significant changes in PPT were observed over the MTrPs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Patients performing DCF training for 6 weeks demonstrated reductions in pain and disability but did not show changes in pressure pain sensitivity over MTrPs in the splenius capitis, levator scapulae, or upper trapezius muscles.
authors.affiliation: PhD student, Department of Physiotherapy, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain.
authors.forename: Enrique
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lluch
authors.forename: Maria Dolores
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Arguisuelas
authors.forename: Pablo S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Coloma
authors.forename: Francisco
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Palma
authors.forename: Alejandro
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rey
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Falla
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D059350:Chronic Pain; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005156:Facial Neuralgia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D020393:Manipulation, Spinal / Q000379:methods; D008405:Massage / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000503:physiopathology*; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012684:Sensory Thresholds / Q000502:physiology; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D061028:Trigger Points; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Exercise; Neck Muscles; Neck Pain; Trigger Points