Effects Of Combined Motor Imagery And Deep Neck Flexor Training On Kinesiophobia And Function In Chronic Neck Pain: A Pilot Study

Background: Chronic neck pain (CNP) is associated with functional impairment and kinesiophobia. Although Deep Neck Flexor (DNF) training has established itself on rehabilitation grounds, new evidence suggests that, through the rearrangement of central motor circuits, motor imagery (MI) can enhance outcomes. Objective: The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of deep neck flexor training and motor imagery combined in reduction of kinesiophobia and improving the level of functioning in patients with chronic neck pain. Methodology: Chronic neck pain was chosen, and twenty participants were randomly divided into two groups including Control (DNF only) and Experimental (MI + DNF training). The intervention took four weeks. As outcome measures both the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and the KINESIOPHOBIA measuring (TSK) scale were given before and after the intervention. Results: NDI and TSK showed an improvement of a greater value in the experimental group (NDI = 10.93; TSK = 6.24) than in the control group (NDI = 6.75; TSK = 3.59). The result indicated statistically significant differences between and within groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Deep Neck Flexor training and Motor Imagery can address functional outcomes and reduce kinesiophobia in patients experiencing chronic neck pain.