Effects of Diaphragmatic Resistance Training in People With Chronic Neck Pain.

With increasing usage of electronic devices and sedentary lifestyle, chronic neck pain has become a more prevalent musculoskeletal disorder around the world. Many impairments have been identified in people with chronic neck pain including pain, muscle weakness, proprioceptive deficits and altered breathing pattern. Diaphragm is the key muscle for inspiration and also plays an important role in spinal stability. Previous studies have found that diaphragm functions are related to the stability of the lumbar spine through the fascial, neural and visceral systems. Diaphragmatic resistance training thus could have some positive effects on reducing pain and disability in people with low back pain. However, to date how diaphragmatic resistance training would affect chronic neck pain is still unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of diaphragmatic resistance training on pain, disability and movement quality in people with chronic neck pain.