Self-Mobilization With SNAGs Vs. DIE on CMNP in Computer Professionals

King Saud University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain

Treatments: Other: Conventional Adjuncts; Other: Dynamic Isometric Exercise; Other: Self-applied Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT07387016

RRC-2021-03

Details and patient eligibility

About

The goal of this clinical trial was to find out whether a self-applied neck mobilization technique (called self-SNAGs) or neck strengthening exercises (dynamic isometric exercises) works better to reduce pain and improve daily function in computer professionals aged 25-45 years who had long-lasting mechanical neck pain.

The main questions it aimed to answer were:

• Does self-SNAG treatment reduce neck pain more than strengthening exercises?
• Does self-SNAG treatment improve neck-related daily activities more than strengthening exercises?

Researchers compared self-SNAG exercises with dynamic isometric neck exercises to see which approach led to greater pain relief and better function over six weeks.

Participants were asked to:

• Perform either self-SNAG neck movements using a towel or neck-strengthening exercises using elastic bands.
• Do the exercises five days per week for six weeks.
• Follow ergonomic advice for proper posture during computer work.
• Complete pain and disability questionnaires before and after the program.

Enrollment: 40 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 25 to 45 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Participants' ages ranged from 25 to 45 years.
• Having chronic mechanical neck pain persisting for at least 3 months.
• Computer users of at least 4 to 5 hours daily for greater than 3 years.
• Understand and be able to perform the indicated exercises well.
• Cooperation in the study with voluntary participation.

Exclusion criteria

• Prior history of musculoskeletal neck disorders, trauma, fracture, inflammation, malignancy, active infection, any neurological disorders or deficits, and any spinal surgeries.
• Acute mechanical neck pain
• Non-cooperation in the study,

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

---

40 participants in 2 patient groups

Self-SNAGs Group

Experimental group

Description:

Participants assigned to the self-SNAG arm engaged in structured Mulligan self-mobilization sessions conducted on a five-day weekly schedule for six weeks, with ongoing oversight and instructional feedback to promote correct application and consistent participation.

Treatment:

Other: Self-applied Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides

Other: Conventional Adjuncts

DIE Group

Active Comparator group

Description:

Participants assigned to the DIE arm performed structured dynamic isometric cervical exercises using elastic resistance bands. Sessions were conducted on a five-day weekly schedule for six weeks, with ongoing oversight and instructional feedback to promote correct application and consistent participation.

Treatment:

Other: Conventional Adjuncts

Other: Dynamic Isometric Exercise