The Effectiveness of Isometric Strengthening with Static Stretching vs. Static Stretching in Nonspecific Chronic Neck Pain

Background: The objective was to compare the effectiveness of Isometric neck strengthening exercises with static stretching vs. static stretching alone in the management of nonspecific chronic neck pain. Materials and methods: This study was a randomized controlled trial. 52 patients with non-specific chronic neck pain were randomly assigned through simple random sampling technique, into experimental (group 1) received Isometric training with static stretching and control group (group 2) received Static stretching alone. While aerobic training was initiated by both groups prior their main interventions. Therapeutic session was 3 days per week for 1 month. Neck pain and Disability was assessed by using outcome measures, numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and neck disability index (NDI). Treadmill machine, Stationary Cycle and Stop watch were used during treatment session. Results: Both groups showed improvements; the baseline mean NDI score was 34.46 ± 11.80 and the final session score was 23.26 ± 17.46 which was significantly (p<0.001) whilst the baseline mean NPRS score was 5.38 ± 1.60 and the final session mean score was 2.65 ± 1.59 which was significantly (p<0.001) in experimental group (Group 1). In control group (Group 2), the baseline mean NDI score was 30.88 ± 10.75 and the final session mean score was 28.44 ± 10.43 which was significantly (p=0.002) whilst the baseline mean NPRS score was 5.00 ± 1.64 and the final session mean score was 3.80 ± 1.87 which was significantly (p=0.001). Conclusion: Both treatment regimens are effective in the management of chronic nonspecific neck pain; however Isometric strengthening exercises training with static stretching appears more valuable as compared with Static stretching training alone.