A research study will be conducted at Physiotherapy department of the Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Karachi, Pakistan. Overall 156 patients with 18-40 years old individuals with neck pain will be eligible and they will be included through non-probability, purposive sampling technique. The written informed consent will be taken from all the patients. They will be divided through Simple random sampling (computer generated software) method into two groups, 78 in each group. Group A (experimental group) will receive PNF Symmetrical Scapula-Pelvis Patterns (PNF-SSPP), group B (control group) will receive sub occipital muscle inhibition technique (SMI) and static stretching (SS) of hamstring muscle. All participants will be assessed using assessment form. Outcome measures will be Pain, disability, disability, neck range of motions, hamstring tightness, head posture, and levator scapulae index. An independent assessor blinded to the treatment will assess all the patients for treatment outcome assessment at baseline, after first session and post treatment. Treatment sessions will be given thrice a week for 6 weeks.
Individual with both male and female gender
Individuals with chronic neck pain (pain for > 3 month) with hamstring tightness
Any history related to spinal surgery
Previous administration of epidural injections
Neck pain due to specific pathology
Patients with radiculopathy or myelopathy
Parallel
Suboccipital muscle inhibition technique
Other interventionThe Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition technique is a manual therapy method used by practitioners to relieve tension in the suboccipital muscles, which are located at the base of the skull.
Symmetrical Scapula-Pelvis Patterns Exercises
Other interventionSymmetrical scapula-pelvis patterns refer to a balanced, aligned posture and movement of the shoulder blades and pelvis which is often a therapeutic goal in physical rehabilitation with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation.
Static stretching of hamstring muscle
Other interventionStatic stretching for hamstrings involves holding a position that creates tension in the back of the thigh for 30 seconds.
Change in pain intensity with visual analogue scale for pain at Day 1
The Visual Analogue Scale is a 10 cm line used to measure pain intensity, where the patient marks a point on the line to indicate their pain level, with 0 representing "no pain" and 10 representing "pain as bad as it could possibly be". A score is obtained by measuring the distance from the "no pain" end to the patient's mark, which can be done in centimeters (0-10) or millimeters (0-100). Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity, and this score helps healthcare providers assess severity, which can be categorized as mild (1-3), moderate (4-6), or severe (7-10)
Change in pain intensity with visual analogue scale for pain at 6 weeks
The Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a 10 cm line used to measure pain intensity, where the patient marks a point on the line to indicate their pain level, with 0 representing "no pain" and 10 representing "pain as bad as it could possibly be". A score is obtained by measuring the distance from the "no pain" end to the patient's mark, which can be done in centimeters (0-10) or millimeters (0-100). Higher scores indicate greater pain intensity, and this score helps healthcare providers assess severity, which can be categorized as mild (1-3), moderate (4-6), or severe (7-10).
Change in range of motion with goniometry at Day 1
Goniometry measures the change in range of motion of a joint in degrees by using a goniometer to calculate the joint's angle. The increase in degrees suggests increase in range of motion and decrease suggests decrease in range of motion.
Change in range of motion with goniometry at 6 weeks
Goniometry measures the change in range of motion of a joint in degrees by using a goniometer to calculate the joint's angle. The increase in degrees suggests increase in range of motion and decrease suggests decrease in range of motion.
Change in head posture with goniometry at Day 1
Goniometry can measure changes in forward head posture by using a goniometer to calculate the craniovertebral angle. This involves placing the goniometer's base on the C7 spinous process and the moving arm on the tragus of the ear, with a smaller CVA angle indicating a greater degree of forward head posture and vice versa. Changes are tracked by taking repeated measurements over time to see if the CVA increases (improving posture) or decreases (worsening posture).
Change in head posture with goniometry at 6 weeks
Goniometry can measure changes in forward head posture by using a goniometer to calculate the craniovertebral angle. This involves placing the goniometer's base on the C7 spinous process and the moving arm on the tragus of the ear, with a smaller CVA angle indicating a greater degree of forward head posture and vice versa. Changes are tracked by taking repeated measurements over time to see if the CVA increases (improving posture) or decreases (worsening posture).
Change in levator scapulae index with vernier caliper at Day 1
The levator scapulae index is a measurement technique used to assess the relative length of the levator scapulae muscle. It provides a normalized value by comparing the muscle's length to an individual's total body height, which accounts for variations in size between patients. A vernier caliper is the tool used for this measurement due to its accuracy. A normal levator scapulae index range is greater than or equal to 7.44. Decrease in score suggests decrease in muscle length and increase suggests increase in length.
Change in levator scapulae index with vernier caliper at 6 weeks
The levator scapulae index is a measurement technique used to assess the relative length of the levator scapulae muscle. It provides a normalized value by comparing the muscle's length to an individual's total body height, which accounts for variations in size between patients. A vernier caliper is the tool used for this measurement due to its accuracy. A normal levator scapulae index range is greater than or equal to 7.44. Decrease in score suggests decrease in muscle length and increase suggests increase in length.
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University of Karachi
Lead sponsor
Sindh Institute of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Collaborator
