Abstract:

Objective: The primary aim of this study was to investigate of the relationship between closed kinetic chain upper extremity stability test and pain intensity in male individuals with chronic mechanical neck pain (CMNP) and secondary purpose was to compare them to individuals without neck pain. Material and Method: Fifteen males between the ages of 20-40 who had mechanical neck pain for at least 3 months and (CMNP group) and 15 males without neck pain (control group) were included in the study. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) to measure pain intensity, Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST) to determine upper extremity stability level and hand dynamometer to measure hand grip strength was used. Results: Mean pain intensity of the CMNP group was 3.81±2.63 cm at rest, 4.76±2.48 cm at activity and 1.70±1.55 cm at sleep. Mean of pain duration was 22.13±16.58 months for chronic mechanical neck pain. Mean CKCUEST scores was 16.73±3.04 repetition, right hand grip force was 41.81±5.97 kg and left-hand grip force was 39.65±5.00 kg in CMNP group. Mean CKCUEST scores was 17.81±2.70 repetition, right hand grip force was 40.95±7.59 kg and left and grip force was 41.41±6.81 kg in control group. There was no significant difference between two groups regarding CKCUEST (p=0.312), right hand grip force (p=0.732) and left-hand grip force (p=0.432). There was not found a statistically significant correlation between the pain intensity, pain duration, right hand grip force, left hand grip force and CKCUEST in CMNP group. Conclusion: Upper extremity stability and grip strength are preserved in male without severe mechanical chronic neck pain. The result of this study indicate that chronic mechanical neck pain does not affect upper limb stability strength and grip strength.

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