The effect of a rehabilitation neck exercise program on biomechanical head alignment, neck pain, and disability among nursing students: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to investigate the effect of a rehabilitation neck exercise program (RNEP) on head alignment, neck pain, and disability among nursing students. Methods: The present study involved 360 university nursing students, with 180 in an experimental group and 180 in a control group. The experimental group received an RNEP consisting of isometric, stretching, and range of motion (ROM) exercises for four weeks, while the control group was instructed to maintain their present level of physical exercise. The measurements obtained from the visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, neck disability index (NDI), and ruler measurements for the ROM were taken before and after treatment for both groups. Results: The present work showed a significant difference in the outcome variables for the ruler measurement, NDI and VAS (P < 0.001). Our results showed a significant improvement in ruler measurement and NDI in the experimental group (57.8% and 88.3%, respectively, compared to the control group (0.0%)). On the other hand, those measurements were significantly worse in the control group (28.3% and 63.1%, respectively). The number of participants with no pain was significantly increased in the experimental group (22.8%). The participants with mild pain were increased in the experimental group (40%) compared to baseline (36.1%) while decreased in the control group (35.6%). Conclusion: The controlled rehabilitation neck exercises program reduced the neck pain, disability index, and improved the ROM of upper cervical flexion. The occupational field of nursing requires regular exercises for the neck and cervical muscles.