Effect of Integrated Postural Training in Individuals with Text Neck Syndrome

Abstract

Background: Text neck syndrome is a repetitive stress injury caused by prolonged use of electronic gadgets, particularly smartphones. With smartphone addiction surpassing internet addiction, it has led to increased musculoskeletal problems. Currently, symptomatic treatment for text neck syndrome includes neck pain, postural changes, and cervical proprioceptive errors. The condition is chronic and progressive, and timely intervention and postural correction are crucial to minimize early consequences in later life. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of integrated postural training in individuals with text neck syndrome. Methods: This study included 80 participants clinically diagnosed with text neck syndrome who were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were further divided into two groups, with Group A receiving a conventional exercise program and Group B receiving integrated postural training 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Pre- and post-assessment scores of visual analog scale (VAS), neck disability index (NDI), range of motion (ROM) of the cervical spine, tragus to wall test (TTW), Vernier Caliper measurements for rounded shoulders and cervical joint position error testing (CPJE Testing) were taken and the results were obtained by statistical analysis of the data. Results: The results of this study showed that there was an extremely significant improvement in neck pain, cervical ROM, forward head posture, and rounded shoulder posture in both the groups with a p-value of <0.0001 except for the CPJE testing, which showed to be significant in the Group B with a p-value <0.0001 as compared to Group A. Conclusion: The study concluded that integrated postural training showed significant improvement and has been beneficial in relieving pain, improving cervical range of motion, posture, and the cervical joint position error in individuals with text neck syndrome.