A Randomized Control Trial to Compare the Effects of Endurance Training Versus Strength Training Among Students with Neck Pain

Abstract

Neck pain is pain perceived as arising in a region bounded superiorly by the superior nuchal line and inferiorly by an imaginary transverse line through the spinous process of the first thoracic vertebra. Musculoskeletal disorders are common among general population; the yearly prevalence of neck pain is almost 30% to 50%. Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of endurance training versus strengthening exercises among students with chronic neck pain. Methods: It was Randomized Control Trial. A total of 30 patients were recruited into the study and were randomly allocated into two groups, the treatment group and control group. Treatment group received endurance therapy while control group was treated with strengthening exercises. Pre-test and post-test assessments were performed among both groups to compare the effect of these interventions. Results: Independent t-Test interpretation of PNS. Pre-treatment PNS for control group Mean=4.93, SD=1.53, p-value=.614, for experimental group Mean=5.20, SD=1.32, P-value=.614. According to results of Post-treatment PNS, there was significant reduction in pain intensity and p-value<0. 01i.e for experimental group Mean=0.40, SD=0.507, P-Value=0.000. Independent t-Test interpretation of duration of symptoms (DOS). Pre-treatment duration of symptoms for control group Mean=2.60, SD=.632, p-value=.148, for experimental group Mean=2.93, SD=0.594, P-value=.148 Conclusions: It is concluded that endurance exercises were more effective than strength training in improving chronic neck pain among medical students of RMU.