| Keywords |
Neck pain; Spine mobilization and stabilization exercise; Stretching; Neck disability index |
| Abstract |
This study investigated the effects of cervical spine stabilization exercises in young adults with chronic non-specific neck pain. A total of 45 adults with Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores ranging from 15 to 24, indicative of moderate disability, were enrolled. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups: MES (Mobilization, Exercise, and Stretching), ES (Exercise and Stretching), and St (Stretching only). The intervention was administered three times per session, once daily for 12 weeks. Outcome measures included cervical range of motion (ROM), muscle strength, muscular endurance, pain, and NDI scores, assessed before and after the intervention. Between-group comparisons of cervical ROM revealed significant improvements in flexion, extension, and right and left rotation (p < 0.001). Significant pre- to post-intervention gains in muscle strength were observed in the MES (p < 0.001) and ES (p < 0.001) groups, but not in the St group. In summary, we confirmed the positive effects of cervical spine mobilization, stabilization exercises, and stretching on cervical ROM, muscle function, pain, and disability in adults with chronic neck pain. These findings suggest that a multimodal intervention is more effective than stretching alone in improving neck function and reducing symptoms. |