Effectiveness of Home Exercise Program on Text Neck Syndrome and Posture Among Smartphone Users - A Pilot randomized controlled trail

Smartphones have become essential in everyday life, enhancing interaction and providing access to information, communication, online learning, and entertainment. However, prolonged use can lead to issues like neck pain and poor posture, often referred to as Text Neck Syndrome. Text Neck Syndrome results from maintaining a forward head posture while using smartphones, which increases stress on the cervical spine. This sustained posture can cause musculoskeletal symptoms and spinal problems, including a loss of the natural C-shaped curve in the cervical spine.

The widespread use of smartphones has been linked to an increase in cases of neck pain and poor posture, resulting in adverse effects on individuals’ well-being. Consequently, there is a need to conduct a study to develop individually tailored home exercise programs to alleviate discomfort and restore proper alignment. Hence, the study aims to know the impact of home exercise training on pain, function, and postural measures.

A pilot Randomized Controlled Trial is designed to assess the impact of home exercises on neck pain and posture. This study includes participants within the age group of 18 -30 years. On meeting the eligibility criteria, the screening process is done through digital questionnaires (relating to neck pain symptoms, and smartphone usage)which will be circulated around by displaying posters around the campus. The participants are then randomly allocated into 2 groups (comparator and intervention Group A and B respectively)by the chit method. The comparator group receives postural corrective advice while the intervention group receives postural corrective advice along with Home exercise program for 6 weeks.  Participants in both groups will be advised to stay active and weekly reminders and feedback for group-specific activities. The study outcome measures will be administered at the time of recruitment and after completion of the study duration. The data will be collected and stored for analysis.