Comparison of Eccentric Muscle Training and Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Techniques in Neck Pain

This trial compared eccentric exercise training and the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique, each added to a common cervical stretching and stabilisation programme, in individuals with non-specific neck pain. Outcomes were neck-related disability, multidimensional pain, cervical range of motion, deep cervical flexor endurance, kinesiophobia and health-related quality of life, assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks.

INCLUSION CRITERIA * Being between the ages of 18-65 * Deep cervical flexor endurance time of less than 60 seconds on the modified craniocervical flexor endurance test at screening. Candidates able to hold the test position for 60 seconds or longer were considered to have sufficient deep cervical flexor endurance and were not enrolled. * History of neck pain that has persisted for at least 7 days * Agreeing to participate in the study * Having the ability to read and write Turkish. EXCLUSION CRITERIA * Radiculopathy and structural disorder in the cervical region, * Surgery to the cervical region, * Inflammatory disease, * Severe psychological illness, * Presence of infection in the bone and soft tissue in the cervical spine, * Malignancy, * Advanced osteoporosis, * Those with upper extremity pathologies, * Having a neurological disease that will prevent treatment * Having previously undergone cervical region and spine surgery * Having been included in a physiotherapy program for the neck and back area in the last 6 months, * It was defined as the administration of drugs such as NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs) and opioids in the last 24 hours.