The effect of stretching versus strengthening exercise to reduce neck pain in asymptomatic adults

Abstract

Purpose of the Study: Neck pain (NP) is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints, with 30%–50% of the population affected every year and two out of every three individuals experiencing NP in their lifetime. Stretching has been recommended as one of the treatment techniques for patients with NP. Strengthening and fitness exercises have shown to be effective at preventing NP and reducing its severity. Neck movement is dictated by the sternocleidomastoid, longus colli, and longus capitis for flexion, a concerted effort of the splenius capitis, semispinalis, suboccipital, and trapezius for extension, and the scalenes, sternocleidomastoid, and fibers from the trapezius to control lateral bending (Jenkins, 2002). Therefore, the study attempts to compare the effect of stretching and strengthening exercises on individuals with NP in asymptomatic adults in long-term duration. Materials and Methods: The study consisted of 40 male individuals of the age group 18–35 years, who are willing to participate in the study. These individuals were divided 20 in each group. Group A received stretching exercises and Group B received strengthening exercises for a period of 4 weeks. Pain was assessed at the end of every week for 4 weeks. Results: From the results, Group A shows more significant improvement than Group B. Conclusion: The results showed that both stretching exercises and strengthening exercises had significant effect on asymptomatic NP. A highly significant statistical difference was seen in week 4 of the study in favor of Group A. Group A dominated over Group B in all the weeks of the study thus showed that stretching exercises were more beneficial than strengthening exercise in relieving NP.