Effectiveness of Cervical Stabilisation Exercises on Respiratory Strength in Chronic Neck Pain Patients with Forward Head Posture- A Pilot Study

Introduction: Forward Head Posture (FHP) is one of the most common abnormalities associated with chronic neck pain. In FHP the altered rib cage mechanics leads to decrease in thoracoabdominal mobility, impaired diaphragm muscle mobility and reduced the ventilator efficacy of diaphragm, reduced the effectiveness of abdominals and intercostals muscles. Aim: To examine the efficacy of Cervical Stabilisation Exercises on neck pain, neck disability, craniovertebral angle and respiratory muscles strength. Materials and Methods: This pilot study was conducted on a total number of 20 subjects, which were further divided into study and control groups. Study group received Cervical Stabilisation Exercise with the conventional Physiotherapy. Control group received only Conventional Physiotherapy for six weeks. The baseline measurement was taken on day one of the study for Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NRPS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI). The Forward head posture which was assessed by the digital camera, measured the Cranio Vertebral Angle (CVA). Respiratory muscle strengths (MIP and MEP) were assessed by respiratory pressure meter. All measurements were repeated at the end of sixth week. The baseline measurement and measurement at the end of sixth week were compared by using the analysis of variance. Results: Significant increase in CVA (from mean value of 37.90 to 59.21) and respiratory strength (PImax from mean value of 65.33 to 75.01, PEmax from mean value of 77.78 to 87.89) with decrease in NPRS (from mean value of 7.6 to 0.90) and NDI (from mean value of 12.11 to 0.60) scores were found in the group that received cervical stabilisation exercises as compared to control group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Cervical stabilisation exercise is an effective approach to reduce the forward head posture and thus helps to regain the respiratory muscle strength by improving the biomechanics of respiratory muscles.