Comparison of Effectiveness of Isometric Neck Exercises Versus Craniocervical Flexion Exercises in Improving Neck Flexor Endurance in Computer Users With and Without Neck Pain

Work related neck pain has been associated with long hours of computer work. Neck flexor muscle endurance has been negatively correlated with cervical pain and dysfunction. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of CCF exercises and isometric neck exercises in improving neck flexor muscle endurance in computer users without and with neck pain. Secondary purpose was to determine whether there is any difference in neck flexor endurance between two groups. Forty computer users without and with neck pain were enrolled in this study. Out of 40 subjects 20 subjects with neck pain and 20 without neck pain and they were further subdivided into 2 subgroups randomly, one performing CCF exercises and another performing isometric exercises. Neck flexor muscle endurance was measured using Neck flexor endurance test at baseline, 1^st week and at the end of 6^th week. Unrelated t-test was used for intergroup analysis. CCF exercises group performed better after 6 weeks as compared to isometric exercises group on isometric neck retraction (CCF) test. Neck flexor muscle endurance test results for group without neck pain (Mean = 38.75 seconds, SD = 21.4) and group with neck pain (Mean = 27.7, SD = 14.74) were significantly different. Subjects performing CCF exercises showed improved endurance after 6 weeks. Subjects without neck pain demonstrated greater neck flexor endurance than subjects with neck pain. CCF exercises are more effective in improving neck flexor muscle endurance in computer users with and without neck pain.