Postural Control in Women with Myofascial Neck Pain

Abstract

Objectives

Myofascial pain syndrome [MPS] is one of the problems of the musculoskeletal system, which is characterized by painful muscle dysfunction and myofascial trigger points. Earlier studies have demonstrated postural control disturbances in patients with neck pain of different etiologies. There are no studies investigating the postural control in patients with MPS-related neck pain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the standing balance in women with MPS-related neck pain and compare them with those of age-matched healthy controls.

Methods

Twenty-one women with MPS-related neck pain and 21 healthy age-matched women were tested using the force platform to quantify postural sway during unipedal and bipedal standing under varying conditions of surface [firm and foam surfaces] and in the eyes-open condition. The balance measures were 1. anteroposterior displacements [AP] in cm, 2. mediolateral displacements in cm, 3. surface area [cm²], and 4. mean velocity [cm/s].

Results

In bipedal standing, foam surface had a significant effect on postural sway in both groups. Patients with MPS-related neck pain showed an increased surface area and a faster sway velocity than control subjects. In unipedal standing, postural sway on foam surface in AP direction increased significantly in both groups. There were significant differences between the patients and controls in surface area and sway velocity.

Conclusions

Patients with MPS-related neck pain compared with healthy controls have postural disturbances in standing balance. The results also revealed that a foam surface significantly influenced postural control in both the unipedal and bipedal standing.

Keywords:

• Postural control
• balance
• posturography
• myofascial pain syndrome
• neck pain