REDUCING PAIN AND DISABILITY FOR WHIPLASH VICTIMS: A DOUBLE-BLIND RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Objectives: The object of this research is to compare the strength and endurance versions of progressive resistance exercise for patients with neck pain.

Summary of Background Data In the Australian Capital Territory the most frequent accident type is the rear end collision which constitutes around 46% of all crashes [1]. Three percent of people involved in rear end collisions are injured [1]. Up to 84% of victims of rear end collision who are hospitalised report acute neck pain [2], of whom 10% progress to chronic pain [3]. Treatment for these patients constitutes a considerable financial burden for society [4]. Most patients with chronic neck pain resume driving, but because they have restricted neck mobility they are more likely to be involved in further motor vehicle accidents. Therefore, it is important to ascertain which treatment is most effective for reducing the pain and functional limitations that accompany chronic neck pain. In March 1996 the Australian Transport Safety Bureau and the NRMA Road Safety Trust jointly funded a randomised controlled trial to compared therapeutic exercise for chronic neck pain. The trial was conducted in the ACT and is now complete.