- Logesh E1, Senthil Selvam P2, Rubesh Kumar R3, Boaz J4
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1Master of Physiotherapy (ORTHO)., (Ph.D.), Assistant Professor, School of Physiotherapy, Vistas, 2Master of Physiotherapy (ORTHO), (Ph.D.), Professor, School of Physiotherapy, Vistas, 3Master of Physiotherapy (ORTHO), Clinical Therapist, MGM Hospital, 4Master of Physiotherapy (ORTHO), Assistant Professor, College of Physiotherapy, UCA College of Paramedical Sciences
RESEARCH
BACKGROUND: The prevalence of forward head posture is increasing due to the use
of computers and smart phones. This is the main cause of neck pain, so
correcting the forward position of the neck can help reduce neck pain and
improve quality of life.
PURPOSE
OF THE STUDY: The purpose of the study is to compare the effects of
instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and cervical retraction exercises
in people suffering from mechanical neck pain with head forward position.
METHODS:
The study was conducted with 30 subjects. They were randomly divided into two
groups; group A received instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization and group
B received cervical retraction exercises to treat mechanical neck pain in the
anterior position.
RESULT:
Intergroup analysis showed that both treatment A and treatment B were effective
in reducing pain and improving range of motion and craniovertebral angle.
However, the inter-group analysis compared the two treatments, showing that
group B is significantly more effective according to the numerical pain scale
(NPRS), cranial spine angle and cervical range of motion.
CONCLUSION:
This study showed that group B receiving cervical retraction exercises produced
significant results in reducing pain, improving range of motion and correcting
cervical curvature compared to group A receiving instrument-assisted soft
tissue mobilization.
Keywords: forward head position, instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM), cervical retraction exercises.
