EFFECTS OF CRANIOCERVICAL FLEXION EXERCISES AND SCAPULAR STABILIZATION EXERCISES IN NECK PAIN AND FORWARD HEAD POSTURE AMONG FEMALES WEARING HEADSCARVES

Abstract

Background: In neck related problems, limited cervical ranges are considered a major contributor leading to forward head posture and increased disability. Methodology: The study design was a randomized clinical trial. Total of 50 subjects were recruited that fulfilled the selection criteria. Subjects were divided into two groups. Craniocervical flexion exercises group A (n=25) and Scapular stabilization exercises group B (n=25). Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Neck Disability Index (ND1) were subjective while the goniometer and plumb line were used as objective modes of assessment. Baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment values were assessed by using SPSS 21. Results: Both groups showed improvement in plumb line values, forward head posture and cervical spine mobility. NPRS, and NDI score values after the 4-week exercise program showed significant results (p-value<0.05). Outcomes except for plumb line value and NDI score indicated statistically significant improvement in the Craniocervical flexion exercise group than the scapular stabilization exercise group (p-value<0.05). However, in NPRS no statistical difference (p-value>0.05) was found between the two groups. Conclusion: Only females were recruited. Further studies can correlate with spatiotemporal features. The idea and conceptual framework were original. Keywords: Head posture, craniocervical, flexion exercises, scapular stabilization exercises, range of motion, plumb line, neck disability index, goniometer, numeric pain rating scale, craniovertebral angle.