Comparative Effects of Cervical Stabilization and Isometric Neck Exercises in Eyeglass Wearers With Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain

Ibadat International University, Islamabad

Status: Completed

Conditions: Disability Evaluation; Exercise Therapy; Pain Measurement; Isometric Exercise; Eyeglasses; Neck Pain

Treatments: Other: Isometric Neck Exercises; Other: Cervical Stabilization Exercises

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07321054

IIUI/RERC/ADT/2025/04/180

Details and patient eligibility

About

The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effects of cervical stabilization exercises and isometric neck exercises on pain, disability, quality of life, and kinesiophobia in eyeglasses wearers with Non-specific chronic neck pain. Participants were randomly assigned to either Group A (Isometric Neck Exercises) or Group B (Cervical Stabilization Exercises) using a toss-and-trial method.

The intervention was provided over four weeks, with three sessions per week (total of 12 sessions):

Group A (Isometric Neck Exercises): Participants performed isometric neck flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation. Each movement was hold for 10 seconds, repeated 5 times, with a 5-second rest between repetitions.

Group B (Cervical Stabilization Exercises): Participants performed chin tucks, neck extensions, shoulder shrugging, shoulder rolling, and scapular retractions in a sitting position. Each exercise was performed 15 repetitions, 1 set, holding a 6-second contraction followed by 2 seconds of relaxation per repetition.

Full description

Non-specific neck pain, a common disorder of the musculoskeletal system, frequently manifests as discomfort and stiffness in the lateral and posterior aspects of the neck, often lacking distinctive diagnostic indicators.(1) Young adults are disproportionately affected by neck pain, with a significant proportion, between 42% and 67%, experiencing episodes within a one-year period. Notably, the Global Burden of Disease Study identifies neck pain, in tandem with low back pain, as the second most prevalent cause of disability among young adults aged 20-24, resulting in substantial years lived with disability.(2) Kinesiophobia refers to an excessive and debilitating fear of physical movement, stemming from a perceived vulnerability to pain or re-injury. This phenomenon is closely linked to pain catastrophizing, a cognitive and emotional response characterized by exaggerated negative thoughts and feelings about pain. In individuals experiencing chronic pain, pain catastrophizing can lead to a vicious cycle of increased pain perception, disability, and worsening impairment. Initially, these coping mechanisms may provide temporary relief during acute pain episodes. However, when pain persists, they can become maladaptive, perpetuating a cycle of fear, avoidance, and distress.(3) Wearing eyeglasses can significantly influence head and neck posture, as the body compensates for a reduced visual field by adjusting alignment. This compensatory mechanism may lead to chronic postural changes, including forward head posture and deep neck flexor weakness. The likelihood of developing forward head posture increases with the duration of eyeglasses use, highlighting the importance of assessing visual devices as part of patient care, especially when addressing neck pain and functional limitations.

Exercise plays a vital role in managing neck pain by restoring tissue function and maintaining daily activities. Research has demonstrated that targeted exercises, such as isometric and cervical stabilization exercises, can effectively reduce pain, improve muscle performance, and enhance endurance. Neck stabilization exercises improve joint mobility, sensorimotor function, and relaxation, while isometric exercises strengthen weak muscles through proprioceptive engagement. This study aims to compare the therapeutic effects of cervical stabilization versus isometric neck exercises on pain, disability, quality of life, and kinesiophobia in eyeglass wearers with non-specific chronic neck pain, providing insights into the most effective exercise approach for this population.

Enrollment: 62 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 25 to 50 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

Adults aged 25-50 years, using any form of eyeglasses for more than 2 years, with active non-specific chronic (more than three months) neck pain with pain intensity ≥ 5/10 on the numeric pain rating scale were included.

Exclusion criteria

• Participants with cognitive impairments or limitations that could impact their ability to provide informed consent or adhere to the study protocol.
• Individuals with a history of cardiovascular, pulmonary, or endocrine disease that could pose a risk to their health during exercise.
• Participants with health conditions that may prevent them from engaging in physical activity, such as severe musculoskeletal disorders or neurological impairments.
• Individuals with red flag symptoms indicative of underlying serious pathology, such as recent trauma, infection, or malignancy.

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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62 participants in 2 patient groups

Isometric Neck Exercises

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants received isometric neck exercises (Isometric neck flexion, Isometric neck extension, Isometric lateral flexion and rotation), holding each movement for 10 s, and repeating each 5 times with a 5-s rest between each of them

Treatment:

Other: Isometric Neck Exercises

Cervical Stabilization Exercises

Experimental group

Description:

Participants received each neck stabilization exercises (Tucking in of chin, extending the neck, shrugging of shoulder, rolling of shoulder, retraction of scapular) in sitting position with a frequency of 15 repetitions 1 set with relaxation maintaining 6 seconds of contraction followed by 2 seconds of relaxation per repetition.

Treatment:

Other: Cervical Stabilization Exercises