Abstract

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of isometric neck exercises in neutral spine and multiple angle isometric exercises in improving pain and functional ability in subjects with non-specific neck pain.
Methodology: This randomized controlled trial was conducted over a period of six weeks at the outpatient department of University Institute of Physical Therapy, The University of Lahore. A total of 30 patients aged 20-35 years with pain perceived anywhere in the region of cervical spine for at least 3 months in last one year were randomly allocated in to two groups by online randomizer software. The patients with red flag signs or history of spinal surgery were excluded from the study. Pre-assessment was done using visual analogue scale (VAS) and neck disability index (NDI). Group A was treated with isometric exercises while group B with multiple angle isometrics along with conventional physical therapy in both groups. Each subject performed exercises twice per week and was reevaluated after 3and 6 weeks. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis.
Results: The improvement in the score of VAS in Group-A was 3.13±.91548 and in Group B was 4.46±1.06 (p=0.001) showing there is significant difference between mean scores of both groups after 6 weeks of treatment. The improvement in the score of NDI in Group A was 21.20±4.55 and in Group B was 26.00±4.89 (p=0.010).
Conclusion: Multiple angle isometrics were more effective than isometric neck exercise in improving pain and functional ability in patients with non-specific neck pain.

Key words: Isometric neck exercise, multiple angle isometrics, neck stabilization exercises.