Effectiveness of Pressure Biofeedback-Assisted Deep Cervical Flexor Training With and Without Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Range of Motion and Neck Disability in Cervical Spondylosis

Browse trials for

• Spondylosis 144

Study arms

• Experimental
  Group A: Pressure Biofeedback-Assisted Deep Cervical Flexor Training + Scapular Stabilization Exerci

  Other: Pressure Biofeedback-Assisted Deep Cervical Flexor Training · Other: Scapular Stabilization Exercises · Other: Standard Physiotherapy

• Active comparator
  Group B: Pressure Biofeedback-Assisted Deep Cervical Flexor Training + Standard Physiotherapy

  Other: Pressure Biofeedback-Assisted Deep Cervical Flexor Training · Other: Standard Physiotherapy

Interventions

• OtherPressure Biofeedback-Assisted Deep Cervical Flexor Training

  Deep cervical flexor training will be performed using a pressure biofeedback unit to facilitate selective activation and improve the strength and endurance of the deep cervical flexor muscles, particularly the longus colli and longus capitis. The participant will be positioned in supine lying with the hips and knees comfortably flexed, and the pressure biofeedback cuff will be placed beneath the cervical spine at approximately the C4-C5 level. The cuff will be inflated to a baseline pressure of 20 mmHg. The participant will be instructed to perform a gentle cranio-cervical flexion movement by slowly nodding the head and drawing the chin inward while maintaining contact of the head with the treatment surface. The pressure will be gradually increased to the prescribed target while avoiding head lifting, excessive cervical flexion, jaw clenching, shoulder elevation, or compensatory activation of the superficial cervical muscles. The target pressure will be 22 mmHg during the first week, 2

• OtherScapular Stabilization Exercises

  Scapular stabilization exercises will be performed progressively to improve scapular control, postural alignment, and the strength and endurance of the scapular stabilizing muscles. During the first week, scapular retraction and depression exercises will be performed in sitting for 3 sets of 10 repetitions with a 5-second hold and 60 seconds rest between sets. During the second week, scapular retraction will be progressed using light TheraBand resistance for 3 sets of 10 repetitions with controlled movement and 60 seconds rest between sets. During the third week, wall slides and prone Y and T raises will be introduced and performed for 3 sets of 8-10 repetitions with controlled movement and 30-60 seconds rest between sets. During the fourth week, scapular stabilization exercises will be progressed with shoulder flexion and abduction while maintaining appropriate scapular control, performed for 3 sets of 10 repetitions with 30-60 seconds rest between sets. All exercises will be performe

• OtherStandard Physiotherapy

  Standard physiotherapy will include therapeutic exercises and postural management techniques aimed at reducing pain, improving cervical mobility, flexibility, and functional performance. Cervical range-of-motion exercises including flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and rotation will be performed within a pain-free range for 10 repetitions in each direction. Stretching exercises for the upper trapezius, levator scapulae, and pectoral muscles will be performed for 20-30 seconds for 3 repetitions. Cervical isometric strengthening exercises including flexion, extension, and lateral flexion will be performed with a 5-10-second hold for 10 repetitions. Postural education and ergonomic advice will also be provided, including instructions regarding proper sitting posture, appropriate head and neck positioning, and avoidance of prolonged static postures. Standard physiotherapy will be provided for approximately 10-15 minutes per session, three times weekly for four consecutive weeks.

Primary outcomes

1. Neck Disability - Neck Disability Index (NDI)

   Measure: Functional disability related to neck pain measured using the Neck Disability Index.

   Time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment.

2. Pain Intensity - Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)

   Neck pain intensity measured using the 0-10 Numeric Pain Rating Scale

   Time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment

3. Universal Goniometer

   Measure Cervical Range of Motion - Cervical flexion, extension, right/left lateral flexion and right/left rotation

   Time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment.

Secondary outcomes

1. The Neck Flexor Endurance Test

   Measure cervical flexor muscle endurance

   Time frame: Baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment

Publications

• • Tsiringakis G, Dimitriadis Z, Triantafylloy E, McLean S. Motor control training of deep neck flexors with pressure biofeedback improves pain and disability in patients with neck pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Musculoskeletal Science and Practice. 2020;50:102220. • Saleh MSM, Rehab NI, Sharaf MAF. Effect of deep cervical flexors training on neck proprioception, pain, muscle strength and dizziness in patients with cervical spondylosis: A randomized controlled trial. Phys Ther Rehabil. 2018;5(1):14. • Fatima I, Ashraf A, Khalid K. Effectiveness of thoracic manipulation versus scapular stabilization exercises on pain and functional disability in cervical spondylosis. Journal of Nursing and Allied Health. 2024;2(01). • Ashfaq R, Riaz H. Effect of Pressure biofeedback training on deep cervical flexors endurance in patients with mechanical neck pain: A randomized controlled trial. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences. 2021;37(2):550. • Modarresi S, et al. A systematic review and synthesis of psychometric properties of the numeric pain rating scale and the visual analog scale for use in people with neck pain. The Clinical Journal of Pain. 2022;38(2):132-148.

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No