Addition of 3D Posture Corrective Orthosis To A Multimodal Program In The Treatment Of Nonspecific Neck Pain. A Randomized Pilot Trial.

Posture has emerged as a major risk factor associated with NSNP, but most previous studies have ignored correct posturing as an effective treatment. The few studies that used posture corrective strategies were based on a dated concept that did not incorporate the 3D nature of posture into the treatment strategy . Therefore, one of the major challenges faced by clinicians is how to incorporate 3D posture findings into the treatment plan.

Harrison and colleagues reported that posture problems occurred in the head, ribs and pelvis in three dimensions in the form of translations and rotational displacements. Therefore, we should consider three-dimensional postural assessment and correction during the treatment of NSNP to obtain long-lasting effects and prevent the recurrence of neck pain.

Several tools are available for objective postural measurements in clinical use, including simple plumb line measure, photographic techniques , moiré topography and various computer-assisted methods, such as electro goniometers. These methods are used in clinical assessments, but they have limitations, including the inability to measure neck posture as rotations and translations in six degrees of freedom, as mentioned by Harrison and colleagues.

The current study will use a 3D analysis system called the Global Postural System (GPS) , which is a novel device that investigates all postural variables at once and provides the managing physiotherapist with radiation-free and accurate measurements . This device also provides further information about foot pressure analysis and other 3D features that allow bracing designs to be tailored for each patient .

Numerous studies have shown that mirror images in motion exercises, which are prescribed specifically to help normalize the patient's neuromuscular dysfunction and postural deformation via reflecting the patient's posture across different planes, are more beneficial than a less personalized programme.