Upper Extremity Dysfunction and Quality of Life in Women with Non-Specific Neck Pain: A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate and compare upper extremity functions and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) between Non-specific neck pain (NSNP) patients and healthy controls. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional descriptive study included 80 individuals. The patient group comprised 40 NSNP patients, while the control group consisted of 40 healthy women. Upper extremity functions were assessed using Nine Hole Peg Test (9HPT), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), hand grip and pinch strength, Ruler Drop Test (RDT), Shoulder Position Sense and Single Arm Military Press Test (SAMP). HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form-36 (SF-36). Neck pain was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and neck disability using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). RESULTS: The patient and control groups showed statistically significant differences for 9HPT, SAMP, RDT, DASH scores, and hand grip and pinch strengths (p<0.05). All subcategories of HRQoL were statistically significantly lower in patients than in control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to healthy controls, women with NSNP demonstrated worse upper extremity function and HRQoL. Assessment of upper extremity function may be considered as part of routine evaluation, and rehabilitation programs could consider incorporating targeted interventions to enhance these functions. CLINICALTRIALS: gov ID: NCT06233006.