Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Neuromuscular and Neurosurgery

Background: Patients with cervical spondylosis are commonly suffering from neck pain that may lead to decline in deep neck flexors (DNFs) strength. DNFs strength is critical in the maintenance of the stability of cervical spine, so its assessment has gained importance in recent clinical practice. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between DNFs strength and balance in patients with cervical spondylosis.Methods: Forty five participants from both sexes with age ranged from 45-55 years. Participants were assigned into two groups (study and control groups).The study group included thirty patients with cervical spondylosis suffering from neck pain and the control group included fifteen matched healthy subjects.The DNFs strength was assessed using pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) , ,balance was assessed using biodex balance system (BBS) in both groups and pain intensity was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS) in the study group. Results: showed a statistically significant difference in the median value of DNFs strength and all balance measures (overall stability index (OSI), antro-posterior stability index (APSI) and time needed to complete limits of stability test) except medio-lateral stability index (MLSI) and overall direction control between both groups.There was non-significant correlation between all balance measures and DNFs strength in both groups. Also, there was non-significant correlation between DNFs strength and VAS scores or between dynamic balance indices and VAS scores in the study group. While there was a significant correlation between dynamic limits of stability parameters (time needed to complete test and overall direction control) and VAS scores in the study group

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