The impact of computer use is evident in every day life (Harrington, Carter, Birrell and Gompertz, 2000:264). Lind (2002:18) explains that global trends continue to show that the most severe work-related health problems that exist amongst computer users are musculoskeletal disorders. As technology has lead to increases in automation, so it has lead to increases in work-related illnesses. Although studies have explored the effects of ergonomics (Thibodeau, 1995:322) in static working positions there has been little evidence supporting a solution in overcoming poor occupational postures. Many health practitioners argue that occupationally caused, or aggravated, musculoskeletal disorders are steadily increasing. Thus, even though computers have improved productivity and made work easier for the population in general, they have adverse effects as well. Designing the proper tools or a setup of the work place is of prime importance for the elimination of chronic diseases attributed to sedentary lifestyles. Regular physical activity had long been regarded as an important component of a healthy lifestyle. This notion has recently been reinforced by scientific evidence linking regular physical activity with a wide array of physical and mental health benefits, synonymous with an improvement in wellness (Pratt, Macera, and Wang, 2000:63). According to Pratt et al. (2000:63) higher direct medical costs associates with physical inactivity. Further cross-sectional epidemiologic studies and controlled experimental investigations conducted by Okura, Nakata and Tanaka (2003:1131) had demonstrated that physically active adults, in contrast to their sedentary counterparts, tend to develop and maintain higher levels of physical fitness. These studies had not only demonstrated the positive results of physical activity, such as an improvement in blood lipid profile, body composition, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity, but had also shown that participation in such activity decreased the risk of developing several chronic hypokinetic diseases, including coronary heart disease (CHD), hypertension, non-insulin dependant diabetes mellitus (type II), osteoporosis, colon cancer, anxiety and depression. In addition, low levels of habitual physical activity and the subsequent low levels of physical fitness were associated with a marked increase in all-cause mortality rates. Okura et al. (2003:1131) confirm that effects of exercise intensity on physical fitness and risk factors for coronary Herat disease.

Title: Influence of Pilates method on the function of the deep stabilization system with professional instructors Objectives: The main aim of the thesis was to prepare a test battery to evaluate HSSP activation of instructors of Pilates method. Subsequently, to evaluate the data obtained in testing phase and then conclude whether the statement that Pilates method positively affects the HSSP is true. As sub-goals, I aimed to find out the reason why they decided to become Pilates instructors, and to map the locations of training centers that provide courses of this method. Methods: In the thesis, practical testing according to test battery prepared for the specific purposes of this study was used. Questionnaire was used as well. In order to verify the truthfulness of the research hypotheses, the software Microsoft Excel version 2010 was used. In processing the data from the questionnaire survey, software Google Forms was used in addition to Microsoft Excel version 2010. The results were then processed into tables and charts. The thesis contains elements of experimental studies. Results: Data obtained from the test battery showed that the Pilates method has a positive influence on the HSSP of Pilates instructors. The data from the questionnaire survey showed that teachers completed the course...

Thesis (M.S.)--California University of Pennsylvania, 2005. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references and abstract. Thesis available as PDF via the Internet.

Thesis (M.S.)--Western Washington University, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 63-69).

Orientador: Paulo Henrique Ferreira Caria / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas. Faculdade de Odontologia de Piracicaba / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-15T20:49:44Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Rocha_CamilaPinhata_M.pdf: 1973826 bytes, checksum: addb18854a50f7ddac32a6484cdaf31b (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010 / Resumo: Diferentes modalidades de tratamento vêm sendo utilizados por fisioterapeutas com a intenção de reverter quadros de disfunção da coluna vertebral, inclusive da região lombar, com intuito de reduzir a sintomatologia. Assim, realizou-se uma revisão da literatura com o objetivo de verificar os efeitos dos tratamentos fisioterapêuticos utilizados no tratamento da dor lombar. O levantamento bibliográfico, de janeiro de 2005 a outubro de 2009, foi feito nas seguintes bases de dados ISI, Pubmed, Bireme e Cochrane. Dois pesquisadores realizaram a busca individualmente, com as palavras chave physical therapy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation e low back pain e selecionaram os artigos relacionados aos recursos e métodos fisioterapêuticos relevantes no tratamento da lombalgia crônica não específica, sendo esses, estudos clínicos. Foram encontrados 22 artigos e selecionados 15, os quais atenderam aos critérios de inclusão desta pesquisa. Os resultados demonstraram que os diferentes métodos de tratamento utilizados pelos fisioterapeutas proporcionam efeitos positivos aos pacientes portadores de lombalgia crônica não específica, no entanto algumas inconsistências foram observadas no que diz respeito ao limiar de dor, pois não se encontraram trabalhos que dessem atenção ao gênero e ao ciclo menstrual, variáveis relevantes no estudo da dor. Esta revisão serviu para subsidiar pesquisas futuras nessa área, beneficiando a população. Além da revisão dois outros estudos experimentais foram realizados, com o objetivo de verificar o efeito do método Pilates e da eletroestimulação neuromuscular (EENM) em mulheres com idade entre 25 a 45 anos, índice de massa corpórea entre 18,5 e 24 Kg/cm2, com história de lombalgia crônica não específica, confirmado pelo Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS). As mulheres eram sedentárias e não deveriam ter recebido intervenção física para lombalgia no último mês antes do estudo. Aquelas que fizessem uso de medicação analgésica foram excluídas. Avaliou-se (1) Escore de Funcionalidade pelo Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (OSD); (2) Intensidade da dor, pela escala visual analógica (EVA); (3) Alinhamento postural pela fotogrametria e (4) Perimetria pela mensuração das circunferências abdominais (cintura e cicatriz onfálica) para o grupo tratado com EENM. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de três sessões semanais, realizadas durante 5 semanas, totalizando 15 sessões. No primeiro estudo, 18 voluntárias com idade média de 32,25±7,75 anos, índice de massa corpórea média de 22,42±1,60 Kg/cm2 receberam o método Pilates como tratamento. Neste grupo os resultados da intensidade da dor obtidos pela EVA foram de 2,82, 1,41 e 0,41 para as sessões 1, 7 e 15, respectivamente, sendo estatisticamente significativas para as sessões 7 e 15 em relação à sessão 1. Os escores dado pelo OSD foram de 28,36, 17,12 e 7,86 para as mesmas sessões da intensidade da dor, com diferenças significativas entre as sessões 1 e 15. Não foi observada diferença significativa nas varáveis da fotogrametria (p=0,9442). No segundo estudo, referente ao tratamento feito com EENM, 19 mulheres com idade média de 36,36±7,30 anos, índice de massa corpórea média de 23,01±1,73 Kg/cm2, foram avaliadas. Os resultados do OSD foram significativamente menores na sessão 15 (7,00) em relação às sessões 1 (19,33) e 7 (11,31). Houve diminuição significativa da intensidade da dor dada pela EVA nas sessões 7 (0,92) e 15 (0,76) em relação à sessão 1 (2,76). Na fotogrametria também foi observada diferença significativa após o tratamento (p<0,0355), indicando melhora no alinhamento corporal. Não foi observada diferença estatisticamente significativa nas medidas das circunferências abdominais. De acordo com os resultados apresentados pelas amostras avaliadas, pode-se concluir que ambos os procedimentos, método Pilates e EENM, foram eficazes no tratamento da dor lombar crônica não específica / Abstract: Treatment modalities have been used by physical therapists with the aim to revert spine dysfunction, including lumbar region, in order to reduce symptoms. A literature review was carried out to verify effects of physiotherapy treatments used in low back pain treatment. The search was made from January 2005 to October 2009, in ISI, Pubmed, Bireme and Cochrane. Two individually researchers conducted the search and selected the relevant articles using the key-words physical therapy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and low back pain. It was found 22 articles and 15 were selected, according to the inclusion criteria. The results showed that the different treatment methods used by physiotherapists provided positive effects for patients with nonspecific low back pain. However, some inconsistencies were observed in the results of those studies, because gender and the menstrual cycle have not been taken into account for studying pain threshold. This review was important to identify, review and evaluate previous studies about the physiotherapy treatment for nonspecific chronic low back pain and to guide further research in this area, to benefit the population. In this way, two studies were performed with objective to investigate the effects of Pilates method and electrical neuromuscular (NMES) in women aged 25 to 45 years, with nonspecific chronic low back pain, confirmed by Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (QBPDS). The women were sedentary, presenting body mass index between 18,5 and 24 Kg/cm2 and should not have received physical intervention for low back pain in the last month before the study. Those who made use of analgesic medication were excluded. The following parameter were evaluated (1) score functionality using the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (OSD), (2) intensity of pain by visual analogical scale (VAS) (3) postural alignment by photogrammetry and (4) Perimetry, measuring the waistcircumferences, for the group treated with NMES. The treatments consisted of three weekly sessions, held for 5 weeks, totaling 15 sessions. In the first study, 18 volunteers with a mean age of 32.25 ± 7.75 years, mean body mass index average of 22.42 ± 1.60 Kg/cm2 received the Pilates method as a treatment. In this group, the results of the intensity of pain obtained by VAS were 2.82, 1.41 and 0.41 for sessions 1, 7 and 15, respectively, being significant statistically for Sessions 7 and 15 in relation the session 1. The scores given by the OSD were 28.36, 17.12 and 7.86 for the same sessions of the intensity of pain, with significant differences between sessions 1 and 15. There was no significant difference in the variables of photogrammetry (p=0.9442). In the second study with the processing done by NMES, 19 women with a mean age of 36.36±7.30 years, mean body mass index of 23.01 ± 1.73 Kg/cm2 were evaluated. The results of functional scores in session 15 (7.00) were significantly lower than sessions 1 (19.33) and 7 (11.31). Significant decrease in pain intensity (VAS) occurred in sessions 7 (0.92) and 15 (0.76) compared to session 1 (2.76). In photogrammetry, there was significant difference after treatment (p <0.0355), indicating an improvement in body alignment. There was no significant statistically difference in measures of waist circumference. In accordance with the results presented by the studied samples, it can be concluded that both treatments, Pilates and NMES, were effective for relief of nonspecific chronic low back pain / Mestrado / Anatomia / Mestre em Biologia Buco-Dental

M. Tech. Clinical Technology. / Aims of this study was designed to: 1. Evaluate the effects of mat Pilates on cardiometabolic parameters in the elderly, by: a) Evaluating the effects of mat Pilates on resting heart rate (HR) in the elderly; b) Evaluating the effects of mat Pilates on resting blood pressure (BP) in the elderly; c) Evaluating the effects of mat Pilates on fasting glucose levels in the elderly; d) Evaluating the effects of mat Pilates on total cholesterol (TC) in the elderly and e) Evaluating the effects of mat Pilates on triglycerides (TG) in the elderly. 2. Evaluate the effects of mat Pilates on physical fitness parameters in the elderly, by: a) Evaluating the effects of mat Pilates on anthropometric variables in the elderly; b) Evaluating the effects of mat Pilates on shoulder, hip and knee flexibility in the elderly; c) Evaluating the effects of mat Pilates on muscular strength in the elderly; d) Evaluating the effects of mat Pilates on muscular endurance in the elderly and e) Evaluating the effects of mat Pilates on cardiorespiratory endurance (VO2max) in the elderly.

Orientador: Gláucia Maria Ferreira da Silva Mazeto / Coorientador: Alberto de Vita / Banca: Adriana Lucia Mendes / Banca: Marta Helena Souza de Conti / Resumo: Introdução: O envelhecimento é acompanhado por uma série de alterações físico-emocionais que apresentam profundo impacto na vida dos indivíduos. Entre essas alterações, destacam-se as doenças crônico-degenerativas, tais como a osteoporose. A osteoporose e as fraturas dela resultantes, por sua elevada frequência e morbidade, representam um problema de saúde pública em vários países, incluindo o Brasil. O problema é particularmente relevante em mulheres, considerando-se as mudanças adicionais observadas com o advento da menopausa. A atividade física é reconhecida como uma ferramenta terapêutica nesses casos, tanto do ponto de vista físico como do psicológico. Porém, considerando-se a relativa fragilidade desse grupo etário, há que ter cautela com os vários tipos de exercícios, uma vez que alguns deles podem resultar em lesões potencialmente graves. Nesse contexto, o Método Pilates apresenta-se como um sistema de exercícios dinâmico, que visa trabalhar força e flexibilidade, as quais implicam uma melhor capacidade funcional. Além disso, por se tratar de processo individualizado, permite cuidado e interação maiores entre professor e aluno, o que poderia levar a resultados mais satisfatórios e a menor risco. Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar, em um grupo de mulheres idosas, os efeitos de um programa de exercicios físicos, baseado no método Pilates, sobre a capacidade funcional, a qualidade de vida e os marcadores de remodelação óssea. Casuística e Métodos: Foi realizado estudo longitudinal, prospectivo, com intervenção, com 40 indivíduos do sexo feminino, com 60 anos ou mais de idade, matriculados na Universidade Aberta à Terceira Idade da Universidade do Sagrado Coração (UATI/USC), da cidade de Bauru, estado de São Paulo. Dois grupos de mulheres, um submetido a programa de exercícios baseado no Método Pilates (PEBMP; grupo Pilates) e outro não (grupo Controle), foram comparados entre ... / Abstract: Introduction: Aging is accompanied by a series of physical-emotional changes that have profound impact on individuals' life. Among these changes we highlight the chronic degenerative diseases such as osteoporosis. The osteoporosis, and its resulting fractures, with high frequency and morbidity, represents a public health problem in several countries, including Brazil. The problem is particularly relevant in women, considering the additional changes observed with the advent of menopause. Physical activity is recognized as a therapeutic tool in these cases, both physically and psychologically. However, considering the relative weakness of this age group, we must be cautious about the various types of exercises, since they can result in potentially serious injury. In this context, Pilates is shown as a system of dynamic exercises, which aims to work strength and flexibility, which imply a better functional ability. Besides, it is individualized process because allows for greater care and interaction between teacher and student, which could lead to more satisfactory results and lower risk. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate, in a group of elderly women, the effects of a program of physical exercises based on the Pilates method on functional capacity, quality of life and markers of bone turnover. Cases and Methods: This was a longitudinal, prospective study with intervention, with 40 females, aged 60 or older, enrolled in the Open University of the Third Age of the University of the Sacred Heart (UATI / USC), in Bauru, São Paulo. Two groups of women, one undergoing an exercise program based on Pilates (PEBMP; Pilates group) and other doesn't, called Control group, were compared before and after application of PEBMB, as the parameters related to functional capacity, quality of life and markers of bone turnover. Functional capacity was assessed by tests of flexibility (sit and reach test) muscle strenght ... / Mestre

Orientador: Antonio Carlos de Moraes / Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Faculdade de Educação Física / Made available in DSpace on 2018-08-26T22:48:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Gaviao_KellyCristina_M.pdf: 2542214 bytes, checksum: b165bdb8314f9d07e2bdb39460e1f45f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015 / Resumo: O presente trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a influência de oito semanas de sessões de Método Pilates nas respostas eletromiográficas e pico de torque da musculatura abdominal, em jovens do sexo feminino. Foram selecionadas para o estudo 20 voluntárias universitárias, com idade entre 18 e 25 anos, fisicamente ativas, que foram classificadas, aleatoriamente, em dois grupos: Grupo experimental (GE) e grupo Controle (GC). As voluntárias do grupo experimental foram submetidas a oito semanas de treinamento utilizando exercícios do Método Pilates no solo (MAT Pilates), enquanto as voluntárias do grupo controle não receberam intervenção. Antes e após as oito semanas de treinamento, todas as voluntárias foram submetidas à avaliação isocinética da musculatura abdominal por meio do dinamômetro isocinético da marca BIODEX® e avaliação eletromiográfica da musculatura abdominal utilizando eletrodos (superfície) ativos e o Sistema de Aquisição e Análise de Sinais MP150 da BIOPAC System, contendo 16 canais. Os músculos abdominais foram analisados de forma conjunta e os eletrodos de superfície foram posicionados bilateralmente no ventre dos músculos reto abdominal, fibras superiores e inferiores, e músculos oblíquo externo abdominal. Os dados dos sinais eletromiográficos brutos foram expressos em RMS (root mean square). Os dados obtidos após o treinamento foram comparados com os dados obtidos no período pré-treinamento e aos dados obtidos na avaliação do grupo controle. Os valores referentes ao protocolo realizado no dinamômetro isocinético, expressos em newton metro (Nm), foram baseados no pico de torque de cada voluntária durante a execução do teste. Foi empregada a análise de variância (ANOVA) seguida de post hoc de Tukey. A significância estatística adotada foi de 5% (p < .05). Paras valores referentes ao protocolo de eletromiografia, expressos em root-mean-square (RMS), foi empregada a análise de variância (ANOVA). A significância estatística adotada foi de 5% (p < .05). Foi possível observar que os maiores valores de pico de torque de flexão de tronco foram encontrados nos indivíduos do grupo experimental quando comparados ao grupo controle após a realização do protocolo, porém sem diferença significativa nos valores de pico de torque da extensão de tronco. Para os dados de ativação de fibras musculares, houve aumento significativo na ativação da musculatura abdominal analisada do grupo experimental, após a realização do protocolo e quando comparado ao grupo controle. Em conclusão, o protocolo utilizado teve influência positiva no fortalecimento e ativação de fibras da musculatura abdominal analisada / Abstract: The purpose of this study was to verify the influence of eight weeks of Pilates sessions in electromyographic responses and peak torque of the abdominal muscles in young women. Twenty female university volunteers, aged between 18 and 25 years old, physically active participated in this investigation and were divided randomly into two groups: experimental group (GE) and control group (GC). The volunteers of the experimental group underwent eight weeks of training using the Pilates Method exercises on the ground (MAT Pilates), while the volunteers in the control group received no intervention. Before and after eight weeks of training, all the volunteers were submitted to isokinetic abdominal muscles evaluation using an isokinetic dynamometer (Biodex®), also electromyographic activity of the abdominal muscles using active electrodes (surface) using the Data Acquisition System MP150 (BIOPAC System) with 16 channels. The abdominal muscles were analyzed together. The surface electrodes were placed bilaterally in the rectus abdominis muscles, upper and lower fibers, and obliquus externus muscles. Data from raw electromyographic signals were expressed in RMS (root mean square). The data obtained after training were compared with the data obtained in the pre-training period and also obtained in the evaluation of the control group. The values regarding the protocol performed at the isokinetic dynamometer expressed in newton meters (Nm), were based on peak torque of each volunteer during the test run. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by post hoc Tukey was used. The used statistical significance was 5% (p <.05). For figures on electromyography protocol, expressed in root-mean-square (RMS), we used analysis of variance (ANOVA). The statistical significance used was 5% (p <.05). It was observed that the highest peak values of trunk flexion torque were found in the subjects in the experimental group compared with the control group after the completion of the protocol, but with no significant difference in the peak torque values of trunk extension. For muscle fiber activation data, there was a significant increase activation of the abdominal muscles analyzed in the experimental group after the completion of the protocol and compared to the control group. In conclusion, the protocol used had a positive influence in strengthening and activation of the abdominal muscles analyzed fibers / Mestrado / Biodinamica do Movimento e Esporte / Mestra em Educação Física

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Masters Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at the Durban University of Technology, 2009. / It has been noted that in many recent research studies mechanical neck pain is a serious problem in the world today. There are epidemiological and statistical studies documenting the high incidence and prevalence of mechanical neck pain, which effects people’s daily living (Drew, 1995; Ferrari and Russell, 2003; Cote et al., 2000, Venketsamy, 2007 and Haldeman et al., 2008). Background: Treatments for chronic neck pain, which are non-surgical, appear to be the most beneficial for patients (Haldeman, 2008). In brief, the presentation of chronic mechanical neck pain is defined as localised, asymmetrical neck pain with restricted range of motion and dysfunctional musculature (Grieve, 1988). The muscular dysfunction known as the upper cross syndrome is defined as tightness of the upper trapezius, pectoralis major and levator scapulae and weakness of rhomboids, serratus anterior, middle and lower trapezius and deep neck flexors. These muscles are responsible for stabilizing the scapula and the patient may present with rounded, elevated shoulders and anterior head carriage when diagnosed with this syndrome (Liebenson, 1996). Clinical trials conducted by Cassidy et al., (1992 a, b) concluded that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) was highly effective in treating mechanical dysfunctions within the cervical spine. However, due to multi systemic involvement of the muscular, neural and passive systems in mechanical neck pain, the treatment may need to target all three of the subsystems of spinal stability to be most effective (Panjabi, 1992 a, b; Lee et al., 1998; Lee 2004 and Richardson et al., 2002). No research has been conducted on the effects and benefits of treatment directed on the cervical spine and upper cross syndromes. This research will compare scapula stabilization training and SMT to SMT in isolation, as a treatment for chronic mechanical neck pain. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect that scapula stabilization had on chronic mechanical neck pain. Pilates exercises were used to strengthen and stabilize the scapula muscles (this included stretching out the hypertonic musculature of the upper cross syndrome). The aim was to improve posture as well as to decrease the mechanical stress on the neck. SMT was also concomitantly used to correct any cervical restrictions that were present. These results were then compared to the results of a group that only received spinal manipulative therapy. The null hypothesis was that the intervention group would not respond differently to the treatment protocol in terms of the subjective and objectives measurements. iv Method: This clinical trial was conducted on a sample population of 30 patients with chronic mechanical neck pain. Each patient was assigned to one of two groups (n=15) according to convenience sampling. Both groups received SMT to the cervical spine, while group B (intervention group) also received pilates classes twice weekly for four weeks, which retrained the scapula stabilization muscles to function optimally. The patients each underwent six spinal manipulative treatments over four weeks and a seventh consultation in the fifth week for data collection. Both groups were evaluated in terms of subjective and objective clinical findings. Subjectively the assessment included 2 questionnaires (Numerical Pain Rating Scale and Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College [CMCC] neck disability index). Objective assessment included cervical motion palpation, Cervical Range Of Motion goniometer (CROM) measurements, scapula stabilization tests and a postural analysis with the use of digital photography. The statistics were completed under the guidance of a biostatistician, from the College of Health Science, University of KwaZulu – Natal, (Esterhuizen, 2008) who analyzed the captured data with the use of SPSS version 15. All outcome measures were quantitative. Repeated measures ANOVA testing was used to assess the presence of a different effect for each outcome measure over time between the two treatment groups. A statistically significant time by group effect would indicate a significant treatment effect. The minimum significance level was 0.05. The trends and direction of the effect were assessed via profile plots. Result: According to the statistical analysis, both groups showed improvements - subjectively and objectively - with regards to chronic mechanical neck pain, which is in keeping with the literature. In terms of the inter-group comparison the SMT group (Group A) showed a more constant improvement in range of motion, pain and disability indexes with the SMT only group while the SMT and pilates group (Group B) showed a greater effect in stabilizing the scapula and increasing the functionality of the surrounding musculature. Conclusions and Recommendations: The intervention treatment (Group B) did not have a greater effect on the short-term treatment of chronic mechanical neck pain than the reference group (Group A). It was also evident that the intervention group (Group B) often continued to improve when the SMT (Group A) only group often regressed at the follow up sessions. This improvement was either not significant enough or v the follow up session did not allow for enough time for a true reflection to be noted. It is recommended that more research be carried out to gain conclusive results indicating whether there is a more beneficial long term result to this treatment protocol.

Dissertation submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Masters Degree in Technology: Chiropractic at the Durban University of Technology, 2009. / It has been noted that in many recent research studies mechanical neck pain is a serious problem in the world today. There are epidemiological and statistical studies documenting the high incidence and prevalence of mechanical neck pain, which effects people’s daily living (Drew, 1995; Ferrari and Russell, 2003; Cote et al., 2000, Venketsamy, 2007 and Haldeman et al., 2008). Background: Treatments for chronic neck pain, which are non-surgical, appear to be the most beneficial for patients (Haldeman, 2008). In brief, the presentation of chronic mechanical neck pain is defined as localised, asymmetrical neck pain with restricted range of motion and dysfunctional musculature (Grieve, 1988). The muscular dysfunction known as the upper cross syndrome is defined as tightness of the upper trapezius, pectoralis major and levator scapulae and weakness of rhomboids, serratus anterior, middle and lower trapezius and deep neck flexors. These muscles are responsible for stabilizing the scapula and the patient may present with rounded, elevated shoulders and anterior head carriage when diagnosed with this syndrome (Liebenson, 1996). Clinical trials conducted by Cassidy et al., (1992 a, b) concluded that spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) was highly effective in treating mechanical dysfunctions within the cervical spine. However, due to multi systemic involvement of the muscular, neural and passive systems in mechanical neck pain, the treatment may need to target all three of the subsystems of spinal stability to be most effective (Panjabi, 1992 a, b; Lee et al., 1998; Lee 2004 and Richardson et al., 2002). No research has been conducted on the effects and benefits of treatment directed on the cervical spine and upper cross syndromes. This research will compare scapula stabilization training and SMT to SMT in isolation, as a treatment for chronic mechanical neck pain. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect that scapula stabilization had on chronic mechanical neck pain. Pilates exercises were used to strengthen and stabilize the scapula muscles (this included stretching out the hypertonic musculature of the upper cross syndrome). The aim was to improve posture as well as to decrease the mechanical stress on the neck. SMT was also concomitantly used to correct any cervical restrictions that were present. These results were then compared to the results of a group that only received spinal manipulative therapy. The null hypothesis was that the intervention group would not respond differently to the treatment protocol in terms of the subjective and objectives measurements. iv Method: This clinical trial was conducted on a sample population of 30 patients with chronic mechanical neck pain. Each patient was assigned to one of two groups (n=15) according to convenience sampling. Both groups received SMT to the cervical spine, while group B (intervention group) also received pilates classes twice weekly for four weeks, which retrained the scapula stabilization muscles to function optimally. The patients each underwent six spinal manipulative treatments over four weeks and a seventh consultation in the fifth week for data collection. Both groups were evaluated in terms of subjective and objective clinical findings. Subjectively the assessment included 2 questionnaires (Numerical Pain Rating Scale and Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College [CMCC] neck disability index). Objective assessment included cervical motion palpation, Cervical Range Of Motion goniometer (CROM) measurements, scapula stabilization tests and a postural analysis with the use of digital photography. The statistics were completed under the guidance of a biostatistician, from the College of Health Science, University of KwaZulu – Natal, (Esterhuizen, 2008) who analyzed the captured data with the use of SPSS version 15. All outcome measures were quantitative. Repeated measures ANOVA testing was used to assess the presence of a different effect for each outcome measure over time between the two treatment groups. A statistically significant time by group effect would indicate a significant treatment effect. The minimum significance level was 0.05. The trends and direction of the effect were assessed via profile plots. Result: According to the statistical analysis, both groups showed improvements - subjectively and objectively - with regards to chronic mechanical neck pain, which is in keeping with the literature. In terms of the inter-group comparison the SMT group (Group A) showed a more constant improvement in range of motion, pain and disability indexes with the SMT only group while the SMT and pilates group (Group B) showed a greater effect in stabilizing the scapula and increasing the functionality of the surrounding musculature. Conclusions and Recommendations: The intervention treatment (Group B) did not have a greater effect on the short-term treatment of chronic mechanical neck pain than the reference group (Group A). It was also evident that the intervention group (Group B) often continued to improve when the SMT (Group A) only group often regressed at the follow up sessions. This improvement was either not significant enough or v the follow up session did not allow for enough time for a true reflection to be noted. It is recommended that more research be carried out to gain conclusive results indicating whether there is a more beneficial long term result to this treatment protocol.