Comparative Efficacy of Isometric versus Dynamic Exercises on Cervical Spondylosis

Abstract

Cervical spondylosis is a degenerative disorder in the neck that is very common and worsens with age: it can limit the ability to participate in normal activities and is also costly to treat. The purpose of this study was to observe the effect of isometric and dynamic exercises on cervical spondylosis. This study was conducted at the center for physical therapy and rehabilitation in “Banja e Kllokotit”, Kllokot, Kosovo. The total number of patients included in the study was 60 people of both sexes, who were randomly divided into two groups (group A, n=30; group B, n=30) and received ten sessions of physical therapy. Group A was treated with thermotherapy, electrotherapy, dynamic exercises for the muscles of the cervical region, stretching and deep transverse massage; while group B was treated with thermotherapy, electrotherapy, isometric exercises, and stretching. Range of motion was measured with a standard goniometer, while the level of pain was estimated by the numerical rating scale of pain (NRS). Evaluation of patients was done before and after ten sessions of treatment. The results showed significant difference between groups related to mobility in flexion (P=0.052), extension (P =0.743) side bending (P<0.000) and pain parameters (P<0.000); the group of patients treated with dynamic exercise showed better results and performance after 10 sessions of physical therapy. It can be concluded that dynamic exercise produces better results compared to isometric exercises.