DefinePK

Abstract

Background: Neck pain represents a significant global health burden, affecting approximately 30-50% of adults annually. Postural training and correction techniques are commonly prescribed interventions, yet their comparative effectiveness remains unclear.
Objective: To systematically evaluate the effectiveness of various postural training and correction techniques for reducing pain intensity and improving functional outcomes in adults with neck pain.
Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PEDro, and Cochrane Library databases for randomized controlled trials published between 2010 and 2023. Studies evaluating postural training and correction techniques in adults with neck pain were included. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2.0, and evidence quality was rated using GRADE methodology.
Results: From 487 initially identified studies, 8 RCTs (n=643 participants) met inclusion criteria. Interventions included biofeedback training, ergonomic education, therapeutic exercise focusing on postural correction, and multidimensional approaches. High-quality evidence supported that multimodal interventions combining postural education with specific exercises were superior to isolated techniques for pain reduction (SMD = 0.68; 95% CI 0.42 to 0.94) and neck disability improvement (SMD = 0.72; 95% CI 0.49 to 0.95). Moderate evidence indicated sustained benefits at 6-month follow-up for interventions incorporating biofeedback. Interventions emphasizing ergonomic modifications alone showed limited long-term effectiveness.
Conclusions: Multimodal approaches combining postural training, specific strengthening exercises, and biofeedback demonstrate superior effectiveness for neck pain compared to isolated techniques. Future research should focus on standardizing intervention protocols and identifying patient subgroups most responsive to specific postural correction approaches.