title: The influence of home exercise programs for patients with non-specific or specific neck pain: a systematic review of the literature.
abstract: METHODS
  Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCT).
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To examine the effects of a therapeutic home exercise program (HEP) for patients with neck pain (associated with whiplash, non-specific, or specific neck pain, with or without radiculopathy, or cervicogenic headache) on pain, function, and disability. Our secondary aim was to describe the design, dosage, and adherence of the prescribed HEPs.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Neck pain is a leading cause of disability that affects 22-70% of the population. Different techniques have been found effective for the treatment of neck pain. However, there is conflicting evidence to support the role of a therapeutic HEP to reduce pain, disability, and improve function and quality of life (QOL).
  
  
  METHODS
  A systematic review in accordance with the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement for reporting systematic reviews. The full-text review utilized the Maastricht-Amsterdam assessment tool to assess quality among RCTs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A total of 1927 subjects included within seven full-text articles met our specific search strategy. It was found that HEPs with a focus on strength and endurance-training exercises, as well as self- mobilization, have a positive effect when used in combination with other conservative treatments or alone.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Home exercise programs that utilize either self-mobilizations within an augmented HEP to address specific spinal levels, or strengthening, and/or endurance exercise are effective at reducing neck pain, function, and disability and improving QOL. The benefit of HEPs in combination with other conservative interventions yields some benefit with a range of effect sizes.
authors: Department of Physical Therapy, Walsh University, North Canton, OH, USA.
authors: Margaret
authors: M
authors: Zronek
authors: Department of Physical Therapy, Walsh University, North Canton, OH, USA.
authors: Holly
authors: H
authors: Sanker
authors: Department of Physical Therapy, Walsh University, North Canton, OH, USA.
authors: Jennifer
authors: J
authors: Newcomb
authors: Department of Physical Therapy, Walsh University, North Canton, OH, USA.
authors: Megan
authors: M
authors: Donaldson
keywords: Home exercise program; Neck pain; Non-specific neck pain; Outcomes; Systematic review