Document Type : Research Article
Abstract
Background: Neck pain is now a widely recognized musculoskeletal problem in the global community. It has been linked to a variety of problems in the cervical spine as well as other structures. Walking is a basic human activity that is simple to perform, has a low risk of injury, and has many health benefits.
Aim: The present study was done to objectively investigate if there is a relationship between neck pain characteristics and gait parameters in people who had chronic mechanical neck pain (CMNP). Material and methods: Twenty-six participants suffering chronic mechanical neck pain (G1) and twenty-six normal healthy matched subjects (G2) were assessed for neck pain characteristics and gait parameters. The visual analogue scale (VAS) was applied to assess pain intensity, the Neck disability Index (NDI) Arabic version was applied to assess neck function, and the Biodex Gait Trainer 2 TM device was used to assess spatiotemporal gait parameters.
Results: in comparison with the control group, the study group displayed a significant reduction of walking velocity, both feet step length, and left foot time of support. There were significant correlations between VAS, NDI, and gait parameters in patients with CMNP.
Conclusion: people with chronic mechanical neck pain showed a decrease in walking velocity, step length, and time on each foot. These results demonstrate that neck pain seems to have an effect on spinal health and gait.
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