Comparision of Effectiveness of Isometric and Stretching Exercise in Pain Management among the Forward Head Posture Patients

Abstract

Background: Forward head posture (FHP) is an exaggerated anterior lower cervical curve and posterior upper thoracic curve, leading to excessive anterior positioning of the head concerning a vertical reference line, accompanying rounded shoulders with thoracic kyphosis, this Occurs due to imbalance between posterior and anterior neck muscles, causing neck pain. Exercise treatments are effective in reducing FHP alongside associated neck pain. Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted from May to October 2019 on 60 patients diagnosed with FHP from different hospitals of Quetta and were equally distributed into two groups, each containing 30 participants. Group A was given stretching exercises and group B was given isometric exercises for 2 weeks. The visual analog scale was used to assess patients before and after treatment. Data were analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.Result: Patients were having a mean age of +30.42, Most of them were males (n=34, 57.0%) and from age group of 41-60 years (n=33, 55.0%). Moderate severity was reported by (n=41, 58.3%) and both cervical and thoracic regions were involved in (n=36, 60.0%). Before treatment most of patients were having pain intensity of 6 (n=21, 35.0%) and after treatment were having pain intensity 4 (n=24, 40.0%). There was no significant difference in pain reduction between both interventional groups. Conclusion:The study concludes that both techniques, the isometric strength training, and stretching exercises are equally effective in correcting forward head posture and associated neck pain reduction.

Effects of cervical stabilization with visual feedback on craniovertebral angle and proprioception for the subjects with forward head posture

“…To address underlying soft tissue imbalances in individuals with FHP, it is recommended to employ therapeutic approaches that strengthen weakened postural muscles and stretch shortened muscles to improve postural alignment. [ 5 ] Specifically, exercises to strengthen scapular retractors and deep cervical flexors, [ 14 ] manual therapy and stabilization exercises, [ 15 ] isometric exercises and stretching techniques, [ 16 ] pressure biofeedback, [ 17 ] and McKenzie exercises [ 18 ] are used to prevent and treat various symptoms. Cervical stabilization exercises are interventions that strengthen the deep cervical flexors and enhance coordination between superficial and deep cervical muscles; they have gained popularity in recent years as an intervention for individuals with FHP.…”