Comparative Effect of Neck Isometrics and Deep Cervical Flexion Exercises on Neck Pain Among Breastfeeding Females.

NCT ID: NCT06877728

Last Updated: 2025-03-14

Basic Information

• Recruitment Status: COMPLETED
• Clinical Phase: NA
• Total Enrollment: 48 participants
• Study Classification: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Start Date: 2024-02-15
• Study Completion Date: 2025-02-15

Brief Summary

Neck pain is a common complaint among breastfeeding females, potentially attributed to sustained postures and muscle imbalance. Breastfeeding females experiencing neck pain, aged between 18-40 years, will be recruited through local healthcare facilities and community outreach. The physical demands of breastfeeding, such as prolonged postures and repetitive movements, can contribute to the development of musculoskeletal issues in the cervical region.

Despite the prevalence of neck discomfort among breastfeeding females, there is a paucity of research exploring effective exercise interventions tailored to this specific population. Mothers' awareness of proper nursing positions during breastfeeding may have positive impact on the connection between mother and baby. Most typical positions for nursing a baby are cross cradle hold, cradle hold, side lying and football hold. Most common adapted breastfeeding position is cross cradle.

Detailed Description

A randomized control trial will be conducted to assess and compare the effectiveness of neck isometrics and deep cervical flexion exercises in alleviating neck pain, reducing disability, improving range of motion, and addressing muscle weakness in breastfeeding females. A sample size of 48 lactating women will be taken. Data will be collected from private clinical setups of Bahawalpur by using (NPRS) Numeric Pain Rating Scale Questionnaire, (NDI) Neck Disability Index, Range of motion will be assessed by inclinometer and Muscle strength will be assessed by MMT. A written consent form will be taken from participants meeting inclusion criteria and will be randomly allocated into two groups of equal members. Group A will be given Neck Isometric Exercises and Conservative treatment for 30 min (3-4days/week) of duration for total 6 weeks.

Group B will be given Deep Cervical Flexion Exercises with conservative treatment. The interventions will be provided for 30 minutes for 3-4 Day/week for 6 weeks. All participants in both groups will be evaluated before and after the treatment programs. Outcome measures will be calculated after 6 weeks of intervention. Data will be analyzed by using SPSS 21

Conditions

Neck Pain; Range of Motion; Muscle Weakness; Breastfeeding

Study Design

• Allocation Method: RANDOMIZED
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Primary Study Purpose: TREATMENT
• Blinding Strategy: SINGLE

Study Groups

Isometric exercises with conservative treatment

Will receive Neck isometrics exercises with conservative treatment. Neck isometric exercises: 3 times weekly for 6 consecutive weeks (18 sessions) Duration: 10 to 15 repetitions with 3 sets, and 6 sec hold in flexion, extension and side flexion on both right and left.

Group Type: ACTIVE_COMPARATOR

Neck isometric exercises: 3 times weekly for 6 consecutive weeks (18 sessions)

Intervention Type: OTHER

Neck isometric exercises: 3 times weekly for 6 consecutive weeks (18 sessions) Duration: 10 to 15 repetitions with 3 sets, and 6 sec hold in flexion, extension and side flexion on both right and left.

Deep cervical flexion exercises with conservative treatment

Will Deep cervical flexion exercises without conservative treatment. Deep cervical flexion exercises: 3 times weekly for 6 consecutive weeks (18 session) Duration: 10 to 15 repetitions with 3 sets, 30 sec rest given between each set. Exercise should target on deep cervical muscle rather than superficial muscle. Exercise should be conducted in supine position.

Group Type: OTHER

Neck isometric exercises: 3 times weekly for 6 consecutive weeks (18 sessions)

Intervention Type: OTHER

Neck isometric exercises: 3 times weekly for 6 consecutive weeks (18 sessions) Duration: 10 to 15 repetitions with 3 sets, and 6 sec hold in flexion, extension and side flexion on both right and left.

Interventions

Neck isometric exercises: 3 times weekly for 6 consecutive weeks (18 sessions)

Neck isometric exercises: 3 times weekly for 6 consecutive weeks (18 sessions) Duration: 10 to 15 repetitions with 3 sets, and 6 sec hold in flexion, extension and side flexion on both right and left.

Intervention Type: OTHER

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

• Between the ages of 25 to 40 years
• Mode of delivery (vaginal/c-section)
• Severe neck weakness (above grade III)
• Primigravida

Exclusion Criteria

• Previous history of upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms
• Radicular neck pain
• History of inflammatory disease (myelopathy)
• History of cervical fracture

• Minimum Eligible Age: 25 Years
• Maximum Eligible Age: 40 Years
• Eligible Sex: FEMALE
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

Sponsors

Riphah International University

OTHER

Sponsor Role: lead

Responsible Party

Responsibility Role: SPONSOR

Principal Investigators

Faiza Taufiq, PP-DPT

Role: PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR

Riphah International University

Locations

Jinnah Hospital

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Countries

Pakistan

Other Identifiers

S23C14G92015

Identifier Type: -

Identifier Source: org_study_id