Effectiveness of scapulothoracic stabilization exercise along with conventional physiotherapy among patients with neck pain

Abstract

Background: Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal disorders on worldwide, which can lead to functional problems and a lowered quality of life. Recent research has found out that scapular thoracic dysfunction contributes to the pathophysiology of neck pain. Scapulothoracic stabilizing exercises are focused on muscle imbalances and postural deficiencies and might produce better results in comparison to traditional physiotherapeutic interventions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of scapulothoracic stabilization exercise along with conventional physiotherapy for patients with neck pain. Methodology: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted where 40 people with neck pain aged 18-65 years were randomly selected and subjected to study at the Musculoskeletal Unit of CRP, Savar. The participants were randomly divided into two groups, an experimental group which received conventional physiotherapy and scapulothoracic stabilization exercises, and the control group received conventional physiotherapy only. The intensity of pain was determined using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), cervical Range of Motion (ROM) was monitored by the use of goniometer and functional disability was measured by the use of Neck Disability Index (NDI). The analysis of data was done by SPSS v25 and the significance level was considered p < 0.05. Results: The significant difference was found between two groups in terms of post-intervention pain intensity, ROM, and NDI progress (p < 0.05). Yet, the between-group analysis demonstrated that the experimental group experienced significantly better improvements in neck flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and NDI scores (p < 0.05), wherein the change in rotational ROM and VAS were not significantly different between groups. Conclusion: When used in addition to conventional physiotherapy, scapulothoracic stabilization exercises yield positive results in terms of increased functional outcomes and cervical mobility of patients with neck pain. Although both groups experienced a reduction in pain, the addition of scapulothoracic exercises offered further outcomes in disability and improvement of ROM hence its inclusion in the rehabilitation program of managing neck pains. Keywords: Neck pain, Scapulothoracic stabilization, Range of motion, Neck Disability Index.