Effect of Cyriax Manipulation on Individuals with Text Neck Syndrome: A Research Protocol for Quasi-experimental Study

Abstract

Introduction: Text Neck Syndrome (TNS) is a modernday problem resulting from prolonged and excessive use of electronic devices such as Smartphones (SP), tablets, and laptops. This condition is characterised by the forward tilting of the head and neck, leading to strain on the cervical spine. Symptoms may include neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and shoulder discomfort. As technology continues to dominate our lives, understanding and addressing the implications of TNS is crucial for maintaining musculoskeletal health in the digital era. Need for the study: Although the Cyriax approach is widely used to treat musculoskeletal issues, there is no literature on its application to treat TNS. Aim: To evaluate the significance of Cyriax manipulation in individuals with TNS in terms of pain and disability. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental design will be applied. The study will be conducted in the Department of Musculoskeletal Outpatient Department (OPD), Maharishi Markandeshwar Institute of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Maharishi Markandeshwar Deemed to be University, Mullana, Ambala, Haryana, India, from December 2021 to March 2023. Participants will be chosen from a group of 18-30-year-olds who have been using SP for a long duration for the present quasiexperimental study. Each subject’s complete demographic information, including name, age, gender, weight, and height, will be recorded. Normal distribution of the data will be verified by Shapiro-Wilk’s test. The level of significance or alpha level will be set at a p-value <0.05 to be considered statistically significant. Two treatment sessions will be provided per week. Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) will be used to assess pain, disability, and forward head posture.