Text Neck Syndrome

Text Neck Syndrome is increasingly common in young adults due to prolonged smartphone use and is linked to postural changes and impaired sensorimotor control. Although its effects on visual-vestibular integration, balance, and proprioception are still unknown, Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) may improve neuromuscular function by enhancing afferent input and mechanoreceptor stimulation. This study investigates whether IASTM can improve sensorimotor processing in individuals with Text Neck Syndrome.

The aim of our study is to compare the short-term effects of traditional classical massage and percussive massage on neck pain, patient satisfaction level, and upper extremity flexibility in young adults with MBS. Another aim of the study is to contribute to the literature, as there are a limited number of studies that directly evaluate the effectiveness of popular vibration devices (Theragun, etc.) compared to classical massage. Original value: With the development of technology and the increase in mobile device usage times, MBS is increasingly common, especially among young adults and university students. There are limited studies in the literature on the treatment of MBS. No studies comparing the acute effects of classical massage and percussion therapy in the treatment of this syndrome have been found. Therefore, our study has the potential to make a unique contribution to the literature by offering a direct comparison between both traditional classical massage and the modern technological method of percussion gun. Sociodemographic Assessment Form: The form to be prepared before the study will record information such as age (years), gender, body weight (kg) and height (cm) of the participants, as well as trauma-surgery history, systemic problems, and average daily mobile device usage time. Six symptoms reporting MBS diagnostic criteria (neck pain, back pain, shoulder pain, headache, insomnia, tingling and numbness in the hands) will be questioned . Pain Assessment: The pain intensity of individuals with MBS will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, which is reported to be valid and reliable. Individuals included in the study will be asked to indicate the pain intensity they experienced in the last week on a vertically positioned 100 mm long line. The marked points will be measured and recorded in millimeters. Neck Disability Index (NDI): It is planned to use the Neck Disability Index, which has Turkish validity and reliability, to determine neck disability. The first four items of the ten-item questionnaire are related to subjective symptoms, while the other six items are related to daily life activities. When the total score of the questionnaire is examined, 0 points indicate no disability, 5-14 points indicate mild disability, 15-24 points indicate moderate disability, 25-34 points indicate severe disability, and 35 points and above indicate complete disability. Evaluation of Patient Satisfaction Level: The treatment satisfaction levels of the participants included in the study will be evaluated with the Patient Satisfaction Scale developed for physical therapy outpatient clinics. The Turkish validity and reliability study of this 24-item scale was carried out by Tüzün et al. (2009) (Cronbach alpha: 0.88). The scale is scored between 0 (strongly disagree) and 4 (strongly agree), and higher scores indicate higher satisfaction. Assessment of Upper Extremity Balance: Participants' upper extremity balance and performance will be assessed using the Upper Extremity Balance Test. While maintaining a push-up position with feet no more than twelve inches (30.5 cm) apart, the individual will reach with maximum effort in three directions (medial, superolateral, and inferolateral) with their free hand relative to the fixed hand, and the distance reached in each direction will be recorded. Each individual will be allowed to make 3 practice trials before the test, and the average of 3 trials will be used for analysis. Assessment of Upper Extremity Flexibility: To assess the upper extremity flexibility of the participants, the Apley Scratch Test will be used. Also called the Dawbarn Test, the Apley Scratch Test provides a rapid assessment of the patient's active range of motion, including internal rotation, extension, and adduction. During the Apley scratch test, the patient attempts to reach upwards from their back, starting from below and aiming to place their hand between their shoulder blades. Then the distance between the two hands is measured with the help of a tape measure. Interventions Percussive Massage Therapy: Percussive massage therapy will be applied with the TheraGun Relief Navy massage gun, which is planned to be supplied within the scope of the project. Percussive massage application will be applied from distal to proximal along the starting points of the trapezius, levator scapulae and cervical paravertebral muscles at a medium speed (level 2, range: 33-40 Hz) and 12 mm amplitude. Percussive therapy will be performed using the soft head of the massage gun with a treatment time of five minutes for each muscle group. Classic Massage Therapy: After carefully protecting patient privacy in a prone position, general stroking is applied to the neck area, followed by massage oil using the 3 Stroking-3 Kneading-3 Stroking technique on the erector spinae, trapezius and levator scapulae muscles, from distal to proximal.

Text neck syndrome is one such disorder within that group, increasingly affecting individuals worldwide across various age groups. The phenomenon of text neck may occur in individuals who frequently and for prolonged periods adopt a forward-flexed neck and head position while looking at the screens of mobile electronic devices. This posture puts stress on the neck muscles and spine, leading to various symptoms like neck pain, stiffness, and headaches.

This randomized controlled trial aims to determine the effectiveness of myofascial release therapy in university students with text neck syndrome as prolonged smartphone and digital gadgets use has been associated with neck pain, forward head posture, and increased perceived stress among young adults with screen time more than 3 hours. Participants will be randomly allocated into control group and intervention group and will be treated for 4 weeks. Clinical outcomes including neck pain, neck pain intensity, craniovertebral angle for posture assessment, and perceived stress levels will be measured at baseline and post-intervention. The study seeks to determine whether Myofascial Release Therapy acts as a non-invasive technique in improving musculoskeletal and psychosocial parameters related to text neck.

This study compared the effects of Muscle Energy Technique and Bowen Therapy on patients with Text Neck Syndrome's pain, function ROM, and posture. Today, text neck syndrome is a growing issue. The majority of us experience this unpleasant condition to some extent. There is no study that has compared the effects of muscle energy technique and Bowen therapy, although they can both be quite effective in helping individuals with text neck syndrome reduce their discomfort, improve their range of motion, and improve their functional impairment. So, the goal of this study was to compare the two treatments' results in order to determine whether one was a better method for treating text neck syndrome patients' discomfort by enhancing range of motion and functional impairment.