Effects of Telerehabilitation-Based Core and Scapular Stabilization Training in Young Adults With Chronic Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Although chronic neck pain (CNP) is associated with impairments in balance, the effects of muscle stabilization training are unknown. In this study, we compared the effects of core stabilization (CS) and scapular stabilization (SS) training via telerehabilitation on balance, functionality, pain, and depression in young adults with CNP. In this two-armed, randomized controlled study, we assigned 41 participants with CNP to either a CS ( n = 21) or SS ( n = 20) group. Both groups underwent stabilization training via telerehabilitation for eight weeks. We evaluated postural stability (PS), limits of stability (LOS), functionality (Neck Disability Index), pain (Visual Analog Scale), and depression (Beck Depression Inventory). Time × Group interactions were significant on VAS, NDI, PS overall, LOS overall, LOS forward, LOS backward, and LOS right ( p < .05). Both groups showed significant improvements over time. However, the SS group demonstrated significantly greater improvements than the CS group in VAS ( p < .001) and NDI ( p = .001). On the other hand, the CS group showed significantly greater improvements in PS overall, as well as in various measures of LOS, including overall, forward, backward, and right ( p < .05). While both groups showed significant improvements, there were notable differences between them. These findings suggest that SS training is more effective in pain management and functional improvement, while CS training has a stronger impact on balance and stability in young adults with CNP.