Both low-load and high-load previous termtraining of the cervical musclesnext term have been shown to reduce neck pain and change parameters of previous termmusclenext term function directly related to the exercise performed. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether either previous termtrainingnext term regime changes previous termmusclenext term activation during a functional previous termtasknext term which is known to be affected in people with neck pain and is not directly related to either exercise protocol. Fifty-eight female patients with chronic neck pain were randomised into one of two 6-week exercise intervention groups: an endurance-strength previous termtrainingnext term regime for the previous termcervicalnext term flexor previous termmusclesnext term or low-load previous termtrainingnext term of the cranio-previous termcervicalnext term flexor previous termmuscles.next term The primary outcome was a change in electromyographic (EMG) amplitude of the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) previous termmusclenext term during a functional, repetitive upper limb previous termtask.next term At the 7th week follow-up assessment both intervention groups demonstrated a reduction in their average intensity of pain (P0.05). The results demonstrate that previous termtraining the cervical musclesnext term with a previous termprescribed motor tasknext term may not automatically result in improved previous termmusclenext term activation during a functional activity, despite a reduction in neck pain.