A study to evaluate the effectiveness of exercise in the treatment of cervical dystonia.

This study will assess the effects of an active and passive exercise programme for participants with idiopathic cervical dystonia. Participants will be randomly allocated into either the active or passive exercise group, and will receive 8 treatment sessions with a physiotherapist over 12 weeks. Participants in the active exercise group will also receive advice on controlling their dystonia. The primary outcome measure is the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS) which includes assessment of active neck movements, neck control, pain and disability. Secondary outcome measures include active range of motion of all neck movements, quality of life and depression questionnaires. All measures will be conducted prior to commencement of treatment, half way through treatment, at the end of treatment and 1 month after the completion of treatment. The study aims to determine if active exercises are more beneficial in improving neck control, reducing pain, range of movement, quality of life, and than passive exercises. Participants will be given a home exercise programme to be continued throughout the study.