위등세모근 통증유발점이 있는 목 통증 환자의 압력 통각 역치 및 근활성도에 대한 뉴렉 기법의 즉각적인 효과

Immediate Effects of Neurac Technique on Pressure Pain Threshold and EMG Activity in Patients with Neck Pain and Upper Trapezius Trigger Point

Background Neck pain is a prevalent condition affecting 45-54% of the population, with chronic symp-toms experienced by 14% of individuals, leading to significant productivity reduction and healthcare costs. Therapeutic exercise, particularly active interventions, has shown efficacy in reducing chronic neck pain. The Neurac (Neuromuscular Activation) technique aims to enhance active movement and create pain-free movement. Objectives To investigate the immediate effects of Neurac technique on pressure pain threshold (PPT), resting muscle activity measured through surface electromyography (sEMG), and pain level assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) in individuals with chronic neck pain. Methods Fifteen adult participants with chronic neck pain were recruited from a university in Busan, South Korea. Neurac technique, involving four specific neck, and shoulder exercises using a Redcord Trainer, PPT, resting muscle activity, and pain level (VAS) were evaluated before and after the Neurac technique intervention. Results Following the Neurac technique, participants demonstrated a significant increase in PPT (p < 0.001) and a significant decrease in pain level measured by VAS scores (p < 0.001), indicating reduced pain. However, no significant changes were observed in resting muscle activity during the rest period (p = 0.616). Conclusions This study found that the Neurac treatment program effectively reduced pain and in-creased pressure pain threshold in individuals with neck pain associated with trigger points in the upper trapezius muscle, although no significant changes in muscle activity at rest were observed.