earticle

영어

Purpose: This study aimed to compare the effects of deep cervical flexor (DCF) exercise alone and DCF exercise combined with laser-based sensorimotor training on balance, cervical motor control, and superficial neck muscle tone in older adults. Methods: Twenty-four older adults were randomly assigned to either a DCF-only control group (n=12) or a DCF plus laser-guided sensorimotor training group (n=12). Both groups performed DCF exercises three times per week for six weeks, while the experimental group additionally trained on laser-based head-movement tracking. Outcome measures included the Functional Gait Assessment (FGA), modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction on Balance (m-CTSIB), Cranio-Cervical Flexion Test (CCFT), and muscle tones of the upper trapezius (UT), levator scapulae (LS), and sternocleidomastoid muscles (SCM) assessed using Myoton PRO. Pre-post differences were analyzed using paired t-tests, and between-group comparisons were performed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), with baseline values as covariates. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in FGA, m-CTSIB, and CCFT scores after the intervention (all p<.05). The experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in FGA (p<.05) and CCFT (p<.01) compared to the control group. Although the m-CTSIB score increased significantly in both groups (p<.05), the between-group difference was not significant (p>.05). For muscle tone, the experimental group showed significant reductions in the UT (p<.01), LS (p<.001), and SCM (p<.05). In the control group, only the UT showed a significant reduction (p<.05), whereas the LS and SCM did not show significant changes (p>.05). In terms of muscle tone, between-group comparisons revealed a significant difference only in the UT, with the experimental group showing a greater reduction (p<.05). Conclusion: In older adults, combining DCF exercise with laser-based sensorimotor training is more effective than DCF exercise alone for enhancing gait-related balance and cervical motor control, and for reducing superficial neck muscle overactivation, particularly in the upper trapezius. This combined intervention may serve as a useful therapeutic approach for improving balance and reducing the risk of falls in the older population.