Senior Projects

CONTEXT: Preventive neck exercises are commonly recommended for office workers suffering from neck disorders; however, its efficacy has not been clearly demonstrated in studies. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of daily exercises for neck region on pain, disability, and range of motion (ROM) in office workers with chronic disturbing neck pain. DESIGN: A study conducted in March 2012, at Beirut Arab University. SETTING: Participants were recruited from BAU offices in Beirut, Lebanon. SUBJECTS: A total of 46 office workers between the ages of 25 and 63 years complaining from neck disorders. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were given a set of neck exercises to perform daily for 2 weeks to find their effect on pain level, percentage of disability and range of motion (ROM).The set of exercises included both stretching and strengthening. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Neck pain was assessed using the numeric rating scale (NRS), percentage of disability was assessed using the neck disability index (NDI), and ROM was measured using the cervical range of motion device (CROM). RESULTS: After 2 weeks of performing neck exercises, participants were visited for a 2nd assessment session. Both neck pain and percentage of disability had decreased (p < 0.001). Range of motion had also improved in all movements showing a significant difference (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The set of preventive neck exercises for office workers was an effective method for decreasing neck pain and disability, and improving range of motion in office workers with chronic neck pain. Stretching and strengthening training are highly recommended for office workers for prevention and treatment of neck disorders.