van Heerden A.1, Korkie E.1, Becker P.2
1University of Pretoria, School of Health Care Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy, Pretoria, South Africa, 2University of Pretoria, Statistics, Pretoria, South Africa
Background: The prevalence of cervical pain in adolescents has been reported to be more than 20% of the international population with studies indicating a rise in prevalence and incidence into adulthood. This is of concern as pain in adolescence is linked to chronic, generalized pain in adults. One South African study reported a prevalence of 20% in cervical pain among 14-16 year olds. No other studies on the presence of cervical pain in children/adolescents in South Africa are available.
The causes for cervical pain include psychosocial, physical and environmental factors. One aspect that has not been explored in adolescents is cervical and scapula dyskinesis. The association between cervical pain and scapula dyskinesis has been proven in the adult population.
The causes for cervical pain include psychosocial, physical and environmental factors. One aspect that has not been explored in adolescents is cervical and scapula dyskinesis. The association between cervical pain and scapula dyskinesis has been proven in the adult population.
Purpose: The main aim of the study was to determine the proportion of Grade 7 learners with cervical pain. The secondary purpose was to determine a possible association between cervical pain and the presence of scapula and/or cervical dyskinesis.
Methods: Four private schools in Tshwane participated in the study. All grade 7 learners were invited to take part. The learners provided demographic information and completed an adapted Young Spine Pain Questionnaire to determine the presence of cervical and shoulder pain. Physical tests were digitally recorded and included posture, the resting position of the scapula and two movement control tests. The Scapula dyskinesis test (SDT) and Overhead arm lift test (OALT) were used to assess scapula and cervical dyskinesis.
Post-collection data analysis was done by three physiotherapists. The proportion of cervical pain was determined from the pain questionnaire. The main association analysed was the association between cervical pain and cervical and/or scapula dyskinesis.
Results: Eighty-five (85) Grade 7 learners (27 boys and 58 girls) have participated in the study at this stage. Data collection needs to take place at one more school in November 2016. No statistical analysis has yet been done as testing is not completed.
Preliminary results indicate that 20% of the current participants reported frequent cervical pain. 82% of the participants with cervical pain presented with scapula and/ or cervical dyskinesis.
Conclusion(s): The percentage of cervical pain in the study population is similar to those of international studies. Preliminary results indicate a large percentage of cervical and scapula dyskinesis in the cervical pain population.
As the full statistical analysis has not been done no other conclusions can be drawn at this stage.
Implications: As there is limited research done in South Africa on the presence of cervical pain in adolescents this study serves as a baseline. Further longitudinal studies can be done to explore the prevalence and incidence of cervical pain throughout high school years.
Studies have shown that by addressing scapula dyskinesis through stability exercises and postural education in the adult population cervical pain can significantly be reduced. By introducing scapula stability exercises and postural education in early adolescents the presence of scapula and cervical dyskinesis can be addressed, potentially impacting the proportion of adolescents with cervical pain.
Funding acknowledgements: No funding was given to this study.
Topic: Musculoskeletal: spine
Ethics approval: Approved by Faculty of Health Sciences Ethics Committee, University of Pretoria, South Africa
All authors, affiliations and abstracts have been published as submitted.
