HTML Issue

Volume 13 Issue 1 (January) 2024

Original Articles

Comparative study of ART and joint mobilization in middle aged females having chronic neck pain
Dr. Archana Verma, Dr. Sheela Jain, Dr. Gaurav Agarwal, Dr. Harshit Khare

Background: Middle-aged women have a 60-70% likelihood of experiencing neck pain at some point in their lives. A common culprit behind neck discomfort is mechanical dysfunction, which can lead to abnormal joint movement. This can restrict neck mobility due to irregular cervical joint mobility within the joint capsule. Moreover, imbalances in the soft tissues surrounding the head and neck can limit the range of motion (ROM) of the head, potentially resulting in neck pain. Methods such as joint mobilization (JM) and joint manipulation are frequently employed to enhance joint capsule mobility. Active release technique (ART) is also utilized for rehabilitation and treatment purposes. It's important to note that there is limited research available on this topic, making it an area that warrants further investigation. Materials and Methods: 60 females within the age group of 40 to 60 years with a 2 month or longer history of neck were included in this study and were randomised into 2 groups : Group A- ART (Active Release Technique), Group B- Joint mobilization. The duration of the physiotherapy sessions was 3 weeks with 4 sessions per week. Results were analysed on the basis of pre and post therapy visual analog scale (VAS), NPAD Scale and neck ROM. Results: Both Group A and Group B showed significant improvements in their VAS (Visual Analog Scale) and NPAD (Neck Pain and Disability) scores, with p-values of less than 0.001. Additionally, both groups demonstrated a significant increase (p-value < 0.001) in every parameter related to neck joint range of motion (ROM). However, it's worth noting that the difference in the mean decrease in VAS and NPAD was 0.77 and 13.85 in favour of Group A. Also, the difference in the mean increase in flexion and extension angle was 1.06 and 11.44 in favour of Group A (Active Release Technique). Based on these findings, it can be concluded that Group A is more effective in terms of improving VAS and NPAD scores and increasing the range of motion (ROM) of the neck when compared to Group B. Conclusion: Based on the results obtained in the present study, it can be concluded that both Group A and Group B have a positive impact on reducing pain as measured by the VAS and NPAD scales and on increasing neck range of motion (ROM). Both treatment groups showed some significant improvements in their effects, indicating that both techniques are effective in addressing these issues. However, it's important to note that the Active Release Technique (ART) group demonstrated a promising trend towards greater effectiveness, especially for patients with chronic neck pain. Therefore, it is recommended that ART may be considered as part of the treatment approach for middle aged females with chronic neck pain conditions, as it could lead to better results.

 
Abstract View | Download PDF | Current Issue

Get In Touch

IJLBPR

322 Parlount Road Slough Berkshire SL3 8AX, UK

ijlbpr@gmail.com

Submit Article

© IJLBPR. All Rights Reserved.