الفهرس | Only 14 pages are availabe for public view |
Abstract Background: Mechanical neck pain (MNP) is one of the most common disorders that originates mainly from poor postural habits and bad ergonomics. Forward head posture (FHP) was highly correlated to MNP, it was reported that 60% of patients with neck and shoulder pain presented with FHP. Muscle energy technique (MET) and static stretching are easy widespread techniques that are known for their effects in improving tissue extensibility, relieving pain and promoting function. purpose: to study the effect of MET versus stretching and strengthening exercises on FHP, pain, function and cervical range of motion (ROM) in patients with MNP. Methods: Thirty participants (3 males and 27 females, 18-42 years old) were randomly allocated into one of 3 groups: group (A) received MET+ hot pack+ postural education, group (B) received stretching and strengthening exercises+ hot pack+ postural education, group (C) control group received hot pack+ postural education, 3 sessions /week for 4 weeks. Assessment of craniovertebral angle (CVA), numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), neck disability index (NDI) and cervical range of motion (ROM) was done pretreatment, 4-weeks post-treatment and after 6-weeks of follow-up. Results: There were significant improvement (p<0.05) in all tested variables in all groups after treatment except disability in control group. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in all tested variables after 4 weeks of treatment. Follow-up revealed significant improvement of pain and cervical ROM in all groups, disability in groups (A) and (B) and FHP in group (B) only. There were significant differences between groups (A) and (B) in FHP, (B) and (C) in disability and groups (A), (B) and (C) in cervical ROM |