A study to compare the effect of combined upper back and neck exercises versus neck exercises alone on neck pain and posture in college students with neck problems due to prolonged mobile phone use

Not yet recruiting

Conditions: Other soft tissue disorders related to use, overuse and pressure,

Brief Summary: The study explores the effectiveness of combining thoracic extension exercises with McKenzie exercises versus McKenzie exercises alone in managing Text Neck Syndrome (TNS) among college students.The study follows a two-arm parallel group randomized interventional design and targets college students aged 18 to25 from Surat who exhibit moderate neck pain (NPRS score of 4to6), forward head posture (craniovertebral angle less than 50 degree), and mild to moderate neck disability. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups: Group A will receive both thoracic extension and McKenzie exercises, while Group B will perform McKenzie exercises only. Both groups will undergo 12 intervention sessions over four weeks, with outcomes measured pre- and post-intervention.Primary outcome measures include pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), while secondary outcomes assess cervical ROM (using a goniometer), postural alignment (craniovertebral angle via Kinovea software), and functional disability (Neck Disability Index). The aim is to evaluate whether the addition of thoracic extension exercises enhances the effectiveness of McKenzie exercises in reducing pain, correcting posture, and improving functional performance. The results aim to determine whether the combined intervention yields better improvements in posture, pain relief, and functionality than McKenzie exercises alone, thereby guiding optimal physiotherapy strategies for managing TNS in youth.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria

1.College students aged between 18 to 25 years 2.Both male and female 3.Participants with neck pain with NPRS between 4-6 [moderate] 4.Participants having forward head posture (CVA Less than 50 degrees) (28) 5.Frequent use of digital devices- regular use of smartphones, laptops, or tablets for at least 4 hours per day, which is commonly linked to the development of text neck syndrome.
6.A Neck Disability Index (NDI) score less than 24 mild to moderate disability score.
7.Willingness to participate.

Exclusion Criteria

1.Subjects will be excluded if they have a history of neck trauma or surgeryor with a medical diagnosis of musculoskeletal conditions ,neurological diagnosis over the neck region.
2.Participant who is on medications(pain killer).
3.Subjects with epilepsy.
4.Subjects with Vertigo.

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
numerical pain rating score	at baseline (pre intervention) and post intervention [4 weeks]

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
cervical range of motion,postural alignment,functional limitations	at baseline (pre intervention) and post intervention [4 weeks]

Locations (1): Bhartimaiya college of physiotherapy
🇮🇳
Surat, GUJARAT, India
Bhartimaiya college of physiotherapy
🇮🇳Surat, GUJARAT, India
Dr Devangi Dholakiya
Principal investigator
9979397520
devangidholakiya2101@gmail.com