Analysis of Cervical Muscle Activity and Fatigue in Response to Moderate Intensity Theraband Exercises in Patients with Persistent Neck Pain

This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of moderate-intensity Theraband exercises on cervical muscle activity and fatigue in individuals with persistent neck pain. Persistent neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder associated with reduced cervical muscle function, endurance, and quality of life. The study will include adult participants diagnosed with non-specific neck pain lasting for more than 3 months. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups: an intervention group receiving a structured, moderate-intensity Theraband exercise program and a control group receiving conventional physiotherapy. The intervention will consist of cervical flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and scapular stabilization exercises using Therabands, performed three times per week for six weeks under physiotherapist supervision. The control group will receive moist heat therapy, cervical isometric exercises, range of motion exercises, and postural training twice a week for six weeks. Primary outcomes include cervical muscle activity assessed via surface electromyography (sEMG) and fatigue levels measured through standardized fatigue scales. Secondary outcomes include pain intensity and functional disability. This study seeks to provide evidence on the efficacy of resistance-based rehabilitation in managing cervical neuromuscular dysfunction, potentially offering a cost-effective, scalable intervention for physiotherapy management of persistent neck pain.