Comparison of the Effect of Eight Weeks of Neck Stabilization Exercises with and without Thoracic Mobility Exercises on Pain, Proprioception, and Posture of Women with Chronic ‎Neck Pain and Forward Head Posture

The effectiveness of neck stabilization exercises in reducing the pain of patients with neck pain has been reported in previous studies. Most of the interventions to improve thoracic mobility are dedicated to manual therapy, and the role of exercise therapy has received less attention. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effect of neck stabilization exercises with and without thoracic mobility exercises on pain, proprioception, and posture of women with chronic neck pain and forward head posture.36 women with chronic neck pain and forward head posture were randomly divided into three groups of control, stabilization exercises, and stabilization exercises with thoracic mobility. The intervention groups did the exercises for 8 weeks, 3 sessions a week, and 45-60 minutes, and the control group continued their normal life. Pain, proprioception, and forward head posture angle were evaluated by visual analogue scale, cervical-cephalic relocation test, and craniovertebral angle, respectively. Data analysis was performed using repeated measure ANOVA and Bonferroni's post hoc test at an error level of 0.05 and using SPSS software version 26.The stabilization exercises group with and without thoracic mobility showed significant improvement in proprioception, pain, and posture compared to the control group (p≤0.001). There was no significant difference between the experimental groups (p≥0.05). However, the stabilization exercises group with thoracic mobility had more improvement in posture and pain.Performing neck stabilization with and without thoracic mobility exercises is an effective intervention in improving posture, proprioception, and reducing pain in women with chronic neck pain. Therefore, the use of this exercise protocol is recommended as an effective treatment approach for women with neck pain.