The effect of myofascial neck pain on postural control: visual deprivation.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the standing balance (with open and closed eyes) on rigid surface in women with myofascial neck pain syndromes.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This study was carried out in single and double limbs stances, open versus closed eyes, and the results were compared with control group. Forty subjects (20 in each group) were tested on a force-platform, during 30 seconds. The mean velocity (cm/s), surface area (cm2), antero-posterior and medio-lateral displacements (cm) of center of foot pressure (COP) were determined.

RESULTS

There were significant differences between two groups regarding the mean velocity and area of COP displacements. In addition, significant differences were observed in respect to eye and limb conditions (open versus closed; single versus double limbs stances; respectively) on mean velocity, area, antero-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) displacements of COP.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that myofascial neck pain syndrome might be one of the disturbing factors on standing balance.