EFFECTS OF STRETCHING & ISOMETRIC STRENGTHENING EXERCISES AMONG TEACHERS FOR CHRONIC NECK & SHOULDER PAIN

*Priyanka T. (MPT), Rachael Sarah Williamson (BPT) and P. Senthil Selvam (Phd)

ABSTRACT

Musculoskeletal disorders represent one of the most common and important occupational health problems in the working population. Among various occupational groups, school teachers have been reported to have a high prevalence of MSD, pain in the neck and shoulder region is the most common cause of morbidity and absenteeism from work in morbidity and absenteeism from work. And hence this study to find the effectiveness of stretching & isometric strengthening exercise among teachers with chronic neck and shoulder pain.30 subjects were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A 15 subjects experimental group & Group B 15 subjects control group. Group A stretching and isometric strengthening exercises everyday for 4 weeks and advice on lifestyle modifications and postural correction. Group B were advised to follow lifestyle modifications and postural changes were advised to them everyday for 4 weeks. Pre and post-test was measured with Numeric Pain Rating Scale [NPRS] and Neck disability index questionnaire [NDI] This study concluded that stretching exercises and isometric strengthening exercises along with lifestyle modifications to reduce chronic neck and shoulder pain and improve quality of life was more effective when compared with only lifestyle modifications for teachers experiencing chronic neck and shoulder pain.

Keywords: Stretching exercises, Isometric strengthening exercises, Lifestyle modifications, Postural correction, NPRS [Numerical Pain Rating Scale], NDI [Neck Disability Index]