EFFICACY OF ENDURANCE TRAINING ON DEEP CERVICAL FLEXOR MUSCLES USING PRESSURE FEEDBACK IN MECHANICAL NECK PAIN

Abstract

Background: Mechanical neck pain is most prevalent in middle age and a common condition affecting 22 % to 70% of the general population. While the exact aetiology of the pain is unknown, most of the mechanical pain is due to mechanical factors such as sprains and strains of the neck muscles or ligaments.Methods: 60 subjects (male 33, female 27) with mechanical neck pain who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were chosen. After baseline evaluation of history, NPRS, cervical range of motion and Deep Cervical Flexor Endurance (DCF), thesubjects were allocated into three groups which received DCF training by modifying the use of pressure biofeedback. Group 1 received DCF Training with Visual Pressure Biofeedback 10 repetition for three sets. Group 2 received DCF training without Visual Pressure Biofeedback 10 repetition three sets. And Group 3 received DCF training with Pressure Biofeedback (without visual input) 3 set of 10 repetitions. After 15 days of intervention, post-intervention measures of the variables were obtained.Results: Data were analyzed using SPSS 1 version. Between-group analyses showed that subjects in Group 1 have a statistically and clinically significant improvement (p-value< .005), pain (NPRS), cervical ROM, DCF endurance andNeck Disability Index when compared to the Group 2 and 3. The pre and post values for all the three groups within the group analysis showed a statistical and clinically significant difference.Conclusion: Deep Cervical Flexor Training with Visual Pressure Biofeedback provides better clinical improvement in terms of pain reduction, cervical flexion and extension ROM, DCF endurance, and Neck Disability Index score.