A Comparative Study between Postisometric Relaxation and Isometric Exercises in Non-Specific Neck Pain

Postisometric relaxation is commonly used to treat patients with neck pain. No randomized controlled trial examining the outcomes of this treatment in symptomatic populations has been reported in the literature. The objective of the study was to evaluate the efficacy of postisometric relaxation in patients with non-specific neck pain. A Convenient sample of thirty seven subjects diagnosed with non-specific neck pain was randomly allocated to one of the two treatment groups on the basis of the inclusion criteria. The experimental group (n=19) received postisometric relaxation and control group (n=18) received isometric exercises. Visual analogue scales (VAS), range of motion (ROM) and neck disability index (NDI) scores were recorded on 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd day. Both groups received the selected treatment for three weeks. Non-paramametric tests demonstrated a statistically significant difference with experimental group showing greater improvement in ROM, VAS and NDI than the control group and significant difference within group also. Conclusion: Postisometric relaxation may be more effective in decreasing pain and disability and increasing cervical range of motion in patients with non-specific neck pain. In order to generalize the results, the studies should be done on wider population including different subjects with different age group