1. Introduction
Pain, pain, chronic neck pain, neck-shoulder, disability
Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of specific neck muscle training and general neck-shoulder exercises on neck proprioception, pain, and disability in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain. Methods: Twenty-five patients with chronic non-specific neck pain were recruited into this preliminary single-blinded randomized clinical trial. They were randomly assigned to either a specific neck exercise (n = 13, mean aged 24 years) or a general neck exercise group (n = 12, mean aged 25 years). Specific neck exercises included eye-head coordination and isometric deep neck muscle exercises. General neck exercises included neck and shoulder free range of motion and shoulder shrug. Pain, disability, and neck proprioception, which was determined using the joint repositioning error, were measured at baseline and after eight weeks of training in both groups. Results: Both training groups showed significant improvements in joint repositioning error (Neck proprioceptors play an essential role in monitoring normal neck and head positions and movements with respect to the trunk. Additionally, they help stabilize head posture via their connections to the vestibular system [Several exercise programs have been prescribed for chronic neck pain patients to relieve pain and improve proprioceptive acuity. Arami et al. [Proprioceptive information and inputs are collected by proprioceptive receptors which are located in skin, joint structures, and muscles [Despite the effectiveness of specific training in improving neck muscle strength and reducing pain [While regaining neck proprioception is an essential part of neck pain management, prescribing an efficient and simple program is also important. As discussed, neck proprioceptors are located in muscles, joints, and the surrounding fascia [