EFFECTIVENESS OF PHYSIOTHERAPY INTERVENTION IN TEXT NECK SYNDROME AMONG SCHOOL GOING CHILDREN IN ANAND, GUJARAT. -A RANDOMIZED CONTROL TRIAL ROLL NO. 14
Objectives 1. To Assess the comparative effectiveness of Physiotherapy exercises versus conventional postural advice in improving CVA and correcting forward head posture in school going children aged 9 to 18. 2. To assess the effects of a 4-week of physiotherapy intervention on postural parameters, particularly CVA. 3. To find out that the 4 weeks of Physiotherapy intervention is enough to normalize the CVA.
INTRODUCTION Text neck syndrome, characterized by neck strain due to prolonged device usage, and FHP, which increases the load on cervical muscles, are key concerns. The research highlights importance of early intervention and understanding risk factors for posture-related issues. the significant prevalence of neck pain among students and adolescents, attributing a portion to modern lifestyle habits .
Factors contributing to FHP, such as desk usage and electronic device use, are outlined. The study underscores the necessity for early intervention and effective treatments for posture-related discomfort, including therapeutic exercises and posture education. It advocates for public health initiatives aimed at promoting good posture habits, especially among children and adolescents.
NEED OF STUDY The increase in forward head posture among school going children highlights the need to understand and address this issue early in life. With the widespread use of electronic devices, especially smartphones, children are increasingly at risk of developing Text Neck Syndrome. The study includes a various age range (9 to 18 years) and both male and female participants . This study evaluates the effectiveness of physical therapy interventions, specifically neck pain exercises and posture education.
To know the effectiveness of 4 weeks of physiotherapy intervention in children with increase forward head posture or CVA is < 48 degree. To find out that the after the 4 weeks of physiotherapy intervention how much effect is find out in intervention group and in control group how much effect is find out after giving them the postural and ergonomics advice. To find out that the 4 weeks of physiotherapy intervention is enough to achieve normalize the CVA angle or reduction in the FHP.
To provides valuable information for public health awareness by highlighting the importance of maintaining good posture, especially in the context of increasing technology use among young people.
METHODOLOGY STUDY DESIGN : Randomized control trial. SAMPLING METHOD: Children who meet with inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to either of the 2 groups viz by using chit method, Group A (The participants received treatment in form of postural education verbally as well as print format.) and Group B (The participants received treatment in form of McKenzie neck pain exercises (10 repetition with 10 second hold) and postural education.
SAMPLE SIZE: There was not much literature found on text neck syndrome in 9-18 years of age in school going children. I n absence of local and regional estimate we assume proportion of Text Neck Syndrome 50%. A sample size of 68 for 7% margin of error.
PARTICIPANTS RECRUITMENT: The participant recruited into two groups ( I nterventional and control). Interventional group: The participants received treatment in form of neck pain exercises (10 repetition with 10 second hold) and postural education. Control group: The participants received treatment in form of postural education verbally as well as print format. Treatment given to the participants who are having FHP upto 4 weeks by physiotherapist and following outcome parameters assessed before the first session and after completion of 4 weeks treatment.
INCLUSION CRITERIA EXCLUSION CRITERIA Children from age of 9 to 18 years. Children with history of congenital neck disability Children who as having FHP (>50 degree). Children with history of neck injuries or surgery Both male and female. Children who had history of any neck fracture
INTERVENTION
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS Descriptive Statistics [Mean (SD), Frequency (%)] was used to show the baseline profile of the study participants. Independent sample t-test is used to compare differences in values between two groups. Paired t test is used to compare pre-post data. A P value < 0.05 is considered statistically significant. Statistical software STATA 14.2 is used for data analysis.
RESULTS
DISCUSSION Modern lifestyles, characterized by prolonged screen use and sedentary behavior, have led to a variety of musculoskeletal problems in school children, particularly forward head posture (FHP) or "text neck syndrome". FHP is characterized by increased curvature of the cervical spine, which can cause discomfort, pain, and long-term health effects. Given the increasing prevalence of these postural problems, interventions to treat FHP have become essential.
There is a significance different showed in both groups, group A received postural and ergonomics advice and group B received McKenzie self-therapy exercise but more significance showed in the group B as compare to Group A. Based on the current research findings, it was observed that males had a higher prevalence of 64% compared to females with 36%[Table 3]. In the present study, the ratio of males was higher than the females.This contradicted with a study conducted by Shivani Lalitkumar Verma et al., which reported a greater percentage of female students (71.1%) compared to males
In conclusion the study reveals a 4-week intervention, particularly involving McKenzie Self-Therapy exercises, can significantly improve craniovertebral angles in children with forward head posture. While postural and ergonomic guidance showed some improvement, it was not as pronounced. The study suggests that incorporating McKenzie home program into the daily routine of school-going adolescents could be beneficial in reducing forward head posture (FHP) and preventing associated consequences linked to poor neck posture. Future research could explore protocols that address overall spine correction resulting from FHP.
CONCLUSION: The study found that McKenzie self-therapy exercises performed over a four-week period were effective in improving craniovertebral angles and correcting forward head posture, both the groups were showed improvements in CVA, but as compare to Group A, Group B is more beneficial effects in CVA. LIMITATION: The study only looked at outcomes after 4 weeks of treatment and did not consider a 2-week follow-up to assess adherence and trends in the exercise program. Analyzing the specific muscle changes in forward head posture could enhance understanding of intervention outcomes.
FUTURE RECOMENDATION: Future research should explore the long-term effects and sustainability of McKenzie home programs for school-going adolescents in addressing forward head posture (FHP). This study focused solely on immediate post-treatment results, lacking long-term follow-up to assess durability. Evaluating the persistence of improvements over time can offer a more comprehensive understanding.
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