ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Neck pain is a common health problem in the general population and especially among
computer workers. Non-specific neck pain is a simple (non-specific) neck pain without
specific underlying disease causing the pain. 59% of WRMSDs (work related
musculoskeletal disorder) reported annually by IT professionals in India, out of which 30%
cases are of neck pain. The long term, lower intensity stress and strain, trauma, overuse, and
improper posture are believed to be the most important causative factor for neck pain. Neck-
shoulder pain, poor muscle strength and functional disability are the most common problems
seen in adult population with prolonged use of computer.

Some studies have proven that swiss ball neck stabilization exercise is effective for muscle
strengthening, improving mobility and reducing pain other than conventional exercises.
However, only a few studies have used a Swiss ball stabilization exercise, which has many
benefits such as allowing free weight resistance exercises, stimulation of proprioceptors,
neuromuscular demands on the whole body for motor coordination and facilitate on of multi-
angle resistance training which elicits greater ROM, for the neck stabilization. Pressure
biofeedback training which can give isolated training for deep cervical muscles is one of the
effective strengthening exercise for neck muscle strengthening and having literatures
supporting that it is effective than ordinary exercises. Hence a need arises to compare the
effectiveness of swiss ball training v/s pressure biofeedback training on nonspecific neck
pain for computer professionals. This study investigate the efficacy of swiss ball exercise v/s
pressure biofeedback training on pain, mobility and functional disability in computer
professionals with non specific neck pain.

Objectives of the study are,

To compare the effects of stabilization exercise using Swiss ball v/s pressure
biofeedback training on neck pain in computer professionals using Visual Analogue
Scale (VAS).
To compare the difference in neck mobility between the stabilization exercise using
Swiss ball group v/s pressure biofeedback training group in computer professionals
with neck pain using Goniometer.
To compare the difference in degree of functional disability between the Swiss ball
group and pressure biofeedback training group using Neck Disability Index Score
(NDIS).

METHODOLOGY

thirty subjects were recruited in this study after obtaining an informed consent. The subjects
were divided into two groups; Group A(swiss ball training group) and Group B(pressure
biofeedback training group). Group A underwent swiss ball neck stabilization exercises &
Group B underwent pressure biofeedback training for the DCFs. Both groups were given self-
correction technique as chin tuck exercise 30 repetition per session, electrotherapy modality-
ultrasound and ergonomic advises.

Interventions were conducted over 6 weeks, three sessions per week, sessions lasting upto
20- 30 minutes. All subjects were assessed for pain, cervical ROM and neck disability. VAS,
Goniometry and NDI were done before and after the intervention period.

RESULTS

CONCLUSION

KEYWORDS