Effectiveness of neck stabilization and Contrology training in comparison to conventional therapy amongst individuals with text neck syndrome

S. Bharal, M.R. Rizvi, M.M. AlQahtani, R.A. Alajam, A. Sharma, I. Ahmad, M.L. Al-Otaibi, M.M. Alshehri, M.M. Ahmad, M.A. Shaphe, I. Ahmad, F. Ahmad, M. Miraj, M. AlZhrani, A.D. Alanazi, G.M. Shawky

Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Manav Rachna International Institute and Studies (MRIIRS), Faridabad, India. fahmad@mcst.edu.sa

---

• Physical Therapy

OBJECTIVE: Cell phones are carried by 79% of people between 18 and 44 years of age for nearly the entire day. Smartphone users spend an average of three hours/per day on their devices, whereas heavy smartphone users spend 8-10 hours/per day on their devices. Text neck is a dangerous disorder that can accelerate the degeneration of the spine. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of neck stabilization training vs. Contrology or Pilates training in individuals with Text Neck Syndrome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Participants (n=75) with a history of recurrent neck pain in the previous four months, having moderate pain (at least 4/10 on the numeric pain rating scale, NPRS), and constantly using mobile phones (>4 hours/day) were randomly allocated to one of three groups: a control group (neck isometric training) and two intervention groups (neck stabilization training and Contrology). They were assessed for craniovertebral angle (CVA), NPRS, and neck disability index (NDI) at baseline and at 4 weeks post-intervention.

RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the CVA, NPRS, and NDI among individuals with Text Neck Syndrome following intervention as compared to the control. Both the neck stabilization and Contrology training increased CVA and reduced neck pain and neck disability in individuals with Text Neck Syndrome. The two intervention groups showed similar effects in all the clinical outcome measures, suggesting almost equivalent effectiveness in the individuals with Text Neck Syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS: Neck stabilization seems to work better than Contrology training when it comes to increasing the craniovertebral angle, reducing pain intensity, and making it easier for individuals with Text Neck Syndrome to move their necks.

Free PDF Download