The Effects of Combined Cervical and Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Muscle Tone, Pain, and Cervical Range of Motion in Cervical Extension Type: A Controlled Experimental Study

Qiu-Shuo Tian; Xing-Han Zhou; Tae-Ho Kim

doi:10.3390/app15052385

journal article Open Access Feb 23, 2025

The Effects of Combined Cervical and Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Muscle Tone, Pain, and Cervical Range of Motion in Cervical Extension Type: A Controlled Experimental Study

Qiu-Shuo Tian Xing-Han Zhou

Tae-Ho Kim

Applied Sciences Vol. 15 No. 5 pp. 2385 · MDPI AG

View at Publisher Save 10.3390/app15052385

Abstract

Background: The prolonged use of smartphones may lead to cervical posture deformities and other associated issues. Among these conditions, cervical extension type is one of the most commonly observed, characterized by increased cervical lordosis, forward head posture, and thoracic kyphosis. These biomechanical changes may lead to neck pain, a restricted range of motion (ROM), and heightened cervical muscle tone. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of combining cervical stabilization exercises with either scapular stabilization or thoracic exercises on the mechanical properties of cervical muscles, the pressure pain threshold (PPT), and the ROM in individuals with cervical extension type. Methods: This study included 32 subjects with cervical extension type who were randomly divided into two groups: 16 subjects were placed in either the cervical and scapular stabilization exercises group (CSG) or the cervical stabilization with thoracic exercises group (CTG). After four weeks of exercise intervention, the following assessments were conducted: measurement of muscle tone, stiffness, and elasticity of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) and upper trapezius (UT) muscles using Myoton PRO; evaluation of the PPT of the SCM and UT muscles using a pressure pain threshold meter; and assessment of cervical ROM (extension, flexion, and rotation) using motion analysis equipment. Results: Both groups showed significant differences in muscle tone, stiffness, elasticity, PPT, and cervical ROM (p < 0.05). The PPT of the UT muscle was significantly improved in the CSG compared to the CTG (p < 0.05). Conclusions: There were significant improvements in muscle tone, stiffness, elasticity, pain, and cervical ROM after exercise intervention in both groups of subjects with cervical extension. Cervical stabilization exercises, along with scapular stabilization, have better effects on improving UT muscle pain.

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Details

Published: Feb 23, 2025
Vol/Issue: 15(5)
Pages: 2385
License: View

Authors

Q

Qiu-Shuo Tian

Department of Rehabilitation Science, The Graduate School, Daegu University, Gyeongsan-si 38453, Republic of Korea

X

Xing-Han Zhou

Department of Rehabilitation Science, The Graduate School, Daegu University, Gyeongsan-si 38453, Republic of Korea

T

Tae-Ho Kim

Department of Physical Therapy, College of Rehabilitation Science, Daegu University, Gyeongsan-si 38453, Republic of Korea

Funding

Daegu University Award: 2023-0278

Cite This Article

Qiu-Shuo Tian, Xing-Han Zhou, Tae-Ho Kim (2025). The Effects of Combined Cervical and Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Muscle Tone, Pain, and Cervical Range of Motion in Cervical Extension Type: A Controlled Experimental Study. Applied Sciences, 15(5), 2385. https://doi.org/10.3390/app15052385

The Effects of Combined Cervical and Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Muscle Tone, Pain, and Cervical Range of Motion in Cervical Extension Type: A Controlled Experimental Study

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