Evaluation of Head Posture, Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Performance and Disability in Electricians with Mechanical Neck Pain

Abstract

Background: Electrical work is physically demanding, and there are a number of potential risks, including electrical shock, accidents from using machinery and hand tools, and work-related musculoskeletal disorders. One such structural problem is the advent of pain and issues with head posture as a result of keeping the head static for an extended period. The present study aims to determine the relationship between VAS and head posture, DCF muscle function, and disability. Method: 80 electricians who had been identified as having mechanical neck pain participated in this observational study. The severity of neck pain, head posture, DCF muscle performance, and neck disability were all assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Craniovertebral Angle using Photographic Method, Modified Sphygmomanometer, and Neck Disability Index (NDI), respectively. Result: Spearman rank correlation test demonstrates a significant moderate negative correlation between VAS and CVA, and VAS and DCF muscle performance. While there is a significant strong positive correlation between VAS and NDI. Conclusion: Present study demonstrates a significant positive correlation between DCF, NDI, and CVA when compared with VAS. The age-related changes and the work demands of the electricians negatively impacts the strength and endurance of the deep cervical flexor muscles which in turn leads to a forward head posture causing a decline to perform the activity of daily living. Key words: Electricians, head posture, craniovertebral angle, deep cervical flexor muscle performance, disability, mechanical neck pain