Isometric Endurance of Neck Muscles and Muscles for Scapular Positioning in Individuals with and without Postural Neck Pain

Postural neck pain results from poor posture, arising through the sustained, long term, abnormal physiological loads imposed on the neck with a consequent reduction in neck and scapular muscle strength. The purpose of this study was to compare isometric muscle endurance in the neck and scapulothoracic region in individuals with and without postural neck pain. Methodology: Twenty-five patients between 20 to 50 years old with postural neck pain were chosen from the out-patient departments of Srinivas College of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Centre and Government Wenlock Hospital, Mangalore, and 25 healthy age matched individuals from society. The Neck Disability Index (NDI) for patients, isometric Neck Flexor Endurance (NFE), Scapular Muscle Endurance (SME), Neck Extensor Endurance (NEE), and pain using a visual analogue scale (VAS) for subjects in both groups were measured. Results: Highly significant differences in NFE (t = -7.704 and p < 0.001) and SME (t = 6.147 and p = 0.05) while no significant difference in NEE (t = -13.027 and p > 0.05) were found between symptomatic and asymptomatic groups. Furthermore, correlations were found between NFE and VAS (r = 0.521), NEE and NDI (r = -0.709), and NEE and VAS (r = -0.411) while no correlation (p > 0.05) was found between SME and VAS (r = 0.051), NFE and NDI (r = 0.163), and SME and NDI (r = -0.110). Conclusion: It is concluded that there is a significant decrease in isometric endurance of neck muscles and muscles for scapular positioning in neck pain patients. Pain and disability are the significantly affecting factors of isometric endurance of neck muscles and muscles for scapular positioning in postural neck pain patients.