Table 3.
Description of intervention in non-specific chronic neck pain.
| Study Population | Method | Dosages and Frequency of Intervention | Assessment Intervals | Outcome Measure | Conclusions | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zibiri et al. (2019) [49] | Group 1 (n = 12) 49.50 ± 17.5 years Group 2 (n = 12) 42 ± 14.58 years Group 3 (n = 11) 49.27 ± 11.32 years |
MET, NCE and IR NSE, NCE and IR, NCE and IRR |
Two times a week for 8 weeks. | T1: baseline T2: 4 weeks T3: 8 weeks |
Disability (NDI) Pain (NPRS) Quality of life (HADS and ISI) |
NSE provides a better benefit than MET and NCE. p value = 0.002 |
| El Laithy et al. (2018) [50] | Group 1 (n = 15) 34.86 ± 8.39 years Group 2 (n = 15) 32.46 ± 6.54 years |
MET and TPT TPT |
- | T1: baseline T2: post session |
Disability (NDI) Joint function (ROM) Pain (NRS) |
MET was more effective in reducing pain and functional disability and increasing cervical ROM than the traditional treatment program alone. p value < 0.05 |
| Jeong et al. (2017) [51] | Group 1 (n = 10) Group 2 (n = 10) Group 3 (n = 10) 21.5 ± 1.52 years |
Stretching Massage MET |
- | T1: baseline T2: post session |
Pain (PPT) Joint function (ROM and muscle strength) |
MET was more effective in reducing pain and increasing cervical ROM and muscle strength than the other treatment. p value < 0.05 |
| Sadria et al. (2016) [52] | Group 1 (n = 32) 27.06 ± 8.54 years Group 2 (n = 32) 28.19 ± 9.77 years |
ART MET |
15 min | T1: baseline T2: post 2 h after session |
Pain (PPT) Joint function (ROM) |
MET and ART techniques can increase cervical ROM and reduce pain. p value < 0.01 |
| Kumari et al. (2016) [53] | Group 1 (n = 15) 31.53 ± 10.06 years Group 2 (n = 15) 35.53 ± 8.39 years Group 3 (n = 15) 34 ± 8.77 years |
MET PNF Isometric and self-stretching exercise |
12 series/lessons for 4 weeks 12 series/lessons for 4 weeks 4 weeks |
T1: baseline T2: post session | Pain (PPT) Joint function (ROM) Disability (NDI) |
MET and PNF are both equally effective in reducing pain, improving ROM and function. p value < 0.01 There was no statistically significant difference between group 1 and group 2 p value = 0.88 |
| Sakshi at al. (2014) [54] |
Group 1 (n = 15) Group 2 (n = 15) |
MET and DNF DNF |
Over 4 weeks | T1: baseline T2: 2 weeks T3: 4 weeks |
Disability (NDI) Pain (NRS) |
MET combined with DNF exercises is more effective intervention for reducing pain and disability. p value < 0.01 |
Legend: ART: active release technique; DNF: deep neck flexors; HADS: hospital anxiety depression scale; IR: infra-red-radiation; IRR: infra-red radiation; ISI: insomnia severity index; MET: muscle energy technique; NCE: neck care education NDI: neck disability index; NPRS: numerical pain rating scale; NSE: neck stabilization exercise; PNF: proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation; PPT: pressure pain threshold; ROM: range of motion; TPT: traditional physiotherapy treatment.