Effects of short break neck stretching on neck pain and surface EMG median frequency changes in office workers

Abstract

Objectives: To study the effects of 4 weeks between stretching and breathing exercise on pain level via the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), surface EMG median frequency(MF), and the neck disability index (NDI) in chronic neck pain female office workers who are prolonged computer users. Materials and methods: 60 Thai female office workers with chronic neck pain aged between 25 – 35 years old. 30 of stretching group (ST) stretched both upper trapezius (UT) and cervical erector spinea (CES). 30 of breathing exercise group (BE) did diaphragmatic deep breathing for relaxation. Both groups did exercise twice a day during working day. VAS, MF, and NDI were used before and after 4 weeks. Result: VAS showed decreasing the intensity both group (p<0.001). ST provided no significant decreased MF on Lt. CES and Lt. UT (p<0.05) but Rt. CES and Rt. UT was significant deceased MF (p<0.05). BE demonstrated fatigability by significant decreased MF (p<0.05). NDI score was lower than before program significantly in both groups (p<0.001). Conclusion: ST with this protocol provided improved pain level, quality of life, and muscle fatigability on the left side. BE contributed did not improve only muscle fatigability. Thus, ST was potential reduce chronic neck muscle pain. Thus, both of these protocols could be improved pain intensity and quality of life in chronic neck pain from prolonged computer task.