The immediate Effects of physical therapy using a modified Rhythm neck unwind Technique in Patients with Neck pain : A Randomized Controlled Trial
Keywords:
Rhythm neck unwind technique (RNUT), breathing exercise, neck painAbstract
Abstract
Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder often linked to poor posture, prolonged
computer uses and stress. These factors can cause muscular imbalance, ischemia and autonomic dysfunction.
Physical therapy combined with stretching exercises and breathing techniques has been shown to reduce pain
and enhance muscle relaxation.To investigate the immediate effects of the Rhythm Neck Unwind Technique
(RNUT) a stretching exercise integrated with controlled breathing on pain intensity, pressure pain threshold
(PPT), and Neck Disability Index (Thai-NDI) in patients with chronic neck pain. This randomized controlled trial
involved 40 participants with chronic neck pain, divided into an RNUT group (n=20) and a control group
(n=20). The RNUT group received ultrasound therapy combined with the RNUT technique protocol, while the
control group received ultrasound and general exercises. Participants were assessed pre and post intervention
using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Pressure Pain Threshold (PPT), and the Thai version of the Neck
Disability Index (Thai-NDI). Data were analyzed using independent and paired t-tests. The RNUT group showed
significantly greater improvements than the control group. Post intervention, there was a significant reduction
in pain intensity (VAS: -2.20, p < 0.001), increased PPT (+0.76 kg/cm², p < 0.001), and decreased disability
scores (NDI: -8.8, p < 0.001). Effect sizes were large for all variables (VAS = 1.57, PPT = 0.91, NDI = 1.12),
indicating clinical relevance. The Rhythm Neck Unwind Technique effectively reduces pain and functional
disability immediately in chronic neck pain patients. It is a simple, non-invasive technique suitable for self
practice and a promising physical rehabilitation intervention.
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สมชาย รัตนทองคำ. (2544). ไฟฟ้าแสงเสียงและแม่เหล็กไฟฟ้าทางกายภาพบำบัด. ขอนแก่น:
ภาควิชากายภาพบำบัด มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น.
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