Comparative Effect of Neck Isometrics and Deep Cervical Flexion Exercises on Neck Pain Among Breastfeeding Females.

Riphah International University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Range of Motion; Muscle Weakness; Breastfeeding; Neck Pain

Treatments: Other: Neck isometric exercises: 3 times weekly for 6 consecutive weeks (18 sessions)

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06877728

S23C14G92015

Details and patient eligibility

About

Neck pain is a common complaint among breastfeeding females, potentially attributed to sustained postures and muscle imbalance. Breastfeeding females experiencing neck pain, aged between 18-40 years, will be recruited through local healthcare facilities and community outreach. The physical demands of breastfeeding, such as prolonged postures and repetitive movements, can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal issues in the cervical region.

Despite the prevalence of neck discomfort among breastfeeding females, there is a paucity of research exploring effective exercise interventions tailored to this specific population. Mothers' awareness of proper nursing positions during breastfeeding may have positive impact on the connection between mother and baby. Most typical positions for nursing a baby are cross cradle hold, cradle hold, side lying and football hold. Most common adapted breastfeeding position is cross cradle.

Full description

A randomized control trial will be conducted to assess and compare the effectiveness of neck isometrics and deep cervical flexion exercises in alleviating neck pain, reducing disability, improving range of motion, and addressing muscle weakness in breastfeeding females. A sample size of 48 lactating women will be taken. Data will be collected from private clinical setups of Bahawalpur by using (NPRS) Numeric Pain Rating Scale Questionnaire, (NDI) Neck Disability Index, Range of motion will be assessed by inclinometer and Muscle strength will be assessed by MMT. A written consent form will be taken from participants meeting inclusion criteria and will be randomly allocated into two groups of equal members. Group A will be given Neck Isometric Exercises and Conservative treatment for 30 min (3-4days/week) of duration for total 6 weeks.

Group B will be given Deep Cervical Flexion Exercises with conservative treatment. The interventions will be provided for 30 minutes for 3-4 Day/week for 6 weeks. All participants in both groups will be evaluated before and after the treatment programs. Outcome measures will be calculated after 6 weeks of intervention. Data will be analyzed by using SPSS 21

Enrollment: 48 patients

Sex: Female

Ages: 25 to 40 years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Between the ages of 25 to 40 years
• Mode of delivery (vaginal/c-section)
• Severe neck weakness (above grade III)
• Primigravida

Exclusion criteria

• Previous history of upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms
• Radicular neck pain
• History of inflammatory disease (myelopathy)
• History of cervical fracture

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

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48 participants in 2 patient groups

Isometric exercises with conservative treatment

Active Comparator group

Description:

Will receive Neck isometrics exercises with conservative treatment. Neck isometric exercises: 3 times weekly for 6 consecutive weeks (18 sessions) Duration: 10 to 15 repetitions with 3 sets, and 6 sec hold in flexion, extension and side flexion on both right and left.

Treatment:

Other: Neck isometric exercises: 3 times weekly for 6 consecutive weeks (18 sessions)

Deep cervical flexion exercises with conservative treatment

Other group

Description:

Will Deep cervical flexion exercises without conservative treatment. Deep cervical flexion exercises: 3 times weekly for 6 consecutive weeks (18 session) Duration: 10 to 15 repetitions with 3 sets, 30 sec rest given between each set. Exercise should target on deep cervical muscle rather than superficial muscle. Exercise should be conducted in supine position.

Treatment:

Other: Neck isometric exercises: 3 times weekly for 6 consecutive weeks (18 sessions)