EFFECTS OF SUSTAINED NATURAL APOPHYSEAL GLIDES WITH MUSCLE ENERGY TECHNIQUE ON MECHANICAL NECK PAIN

Abstract

Introduction: Neck pain due to mechanical factors is common among general population specially people working in offices and on desktops. Sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAGs) and Muscle energy technique (MET) are approaches used to reduce neck pain. Objective: To determine the effects of Sustained natural apophyseal glides (SNAGs) augmented with Muscle energy technique (MET) on mechanical neck pain. Study Design: Randomized control trial. Setting: Physical therapy department, Kulsum International Hospital. Period: 6 months. Materials and Methods: Patients having mechanical neck pain without any systemic or traumatic history were included in the study. Initially 83 participants were screened and 60 fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups; experimental (n=30) and control (n=30), assessed at baseline and interventions were applied. Experimental group received SNAGs and MET where control group SNAGs and inferential current for 15 minutes 3 times a week for 6 weeks. 6 participants couldn't follow up and were excluded from the study. Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS) and neck disability index (NDI) were used as outcome measures. Participants were reassessed after 6 weeks and the data was statistically analyzed by SPSS 21. Results: There were 14 males and 13 females in experimental group while 12 males and 15 females in control group. The significant difference was observed in NPRS scores after intervention in experimental group; 7.1± 0.86 to 2.3± 0.73 as compared to control; 7.2± 0.98 to 3.1±0.87 with p=<0.01. NDI scores have improved from 20.70±2.86 to 14.00±3.08 in experimental group while 21.33±3.57 to 17.88±3.30 in control group. Between group comparisons showed significant changes in NDI in experimental group as compared to control group with p value <0.01.