Endurance Training vs Strength Training in Improving Functional Status in Women with Chronic Neck Pain

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of endurance vs strength training in improving functional status of women with chronic neck pain. Study Design: Experimental, Randomized control study. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Kulsoom International Hospital, Islamabad from February to July 2014. Materials and Methods: Sample of 40 patients with chronic neck pain of age limit 20- 50 years were collected using purposive sampling technique and were randomly divided into two groups i.e. Endurance training and Strength training. Female patients having chronic neck pain (≥ 3 Months) were included in the study. Male patients, any pathology of neck and acute pain were excluded. Standardized treatment protocol including ultrasonic therapy, hot pack, shoulder dynamic exercises and postural education, was implemented to both groups. The improvement was measured by Shoulder Pain & Disability Index and Vernon Neck Disability Index. Data was analyzed on SPSS-21 and comparison among the two groups was analyzed using independent sample T-test. Results: Mean age of the participants was 34.00 ± 5.67 years. 78 % females had pain for 5 months and 67% had radiating symptoms in to one or both upper limbs. Significant improvement was found in terms of reduced pain and disability in endurance training group for both tools (Disability Index and Vernon & Neck Disability Index) in comparison with strength training group. Conclusion: It is concluded that Endurance training together is more effective than Strength Training in improving functional status in female patients of chronic neck pain of nonspecific nature.

Keywords

• endurance training, range of motion, shoulder pain and disability index, strength training, vernon neck disability index.