Year: 2025 | Month: August | Volume: 15 | Issue: 8 | Pages: 18-24
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20250803
Effectiveness of Kinetic Control-Based Exercises Combined with Conventional Physiotherapy versus Conventional Physiotherapy Alone in Patients with Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Dr. Binkam Naga Mounika1, Dr. G. Yatheendra Kumar2, Dr. Mohammed Ilyas Hussian3, Dr. Ilyas Khan4, Dr. Mohammed Daleeluddin Talha5, Dr. Maheen Fatima6, Dr. Siva Jyothi. N7, Dr. Joveria Mubeen8
1Assistant Professor - PDS Institute of Physiotherapy, KNR University
2 Lecture in NIEPID - Secunderabad Telangana.
3 Tutor- PDS institute of physiotherapy, KNR University
4 Assistant Professor - PDS Institute of physiotherapy, KNR University
5 Tutor- PDS Institute of physiotherapy, KNR University
6 Tutor- PDS Institute of physiotherapy, KNR University
7 Associate Professor - Durgabai Deshmukh of Physiotherapy, Hyderabad.
8 Assistant Professor - PDS Institute of physiotherapy, KNR University
1Department of Physiotherapy, PDS college of Physiotherapy, Kaloji Narayana Rao (KNR) University, Hyderabad, India.
Corresponding Author: Dr. G. Yatheendra Kumar
ABSTRACT
Background: Mechanical neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting global populations. While conventional physiotherapy exercises are widely used, kinetic control-based exercises targeting motor control deficits may provide superior outcomes.
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of kinetic control-based exercises combined with conventional physiotherapy versus conventional physiotherapy alone in patients with mechanical neck pain.
Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 84 participants (aged 25-55 years) diagnosed with mechanical neck pain. Participants were randomly allocated to Group A (kinetic control + conventional exercises, n=42) or Group B (conventional exercises alone, n=42). Both groups received treatment 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Outcome measures included Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Neck Disability Index (NDI), cervical range of motion (CROM), and pressure pain threshold (PPT). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3-month follow-up.
Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in all outcome measures (p<0.001). Group A demonstrated superior improvements in VAS scores (4.2±1.1 vs 5.8±1.3, p<0.001), NDI scores (18.6±4.2 vs 26.4±5.1, p<0.001), CROM (flexion: 48.2±3.4° vs 42.1±4.2°, p<0.001), and PPT (2.8±0.4 vs 2.3±0.5 kg/cm², p<0.001) compared to Group B at 6 weeks. Improvements were maintained at 3-month follow-up.
Conclusion: Kinetic control-based exercises combined with conventional physiotherapy demonstrated superior effectiveness compared to conventional physiotherapy alone in reducing pain, disability, and improving function in patients with mechanical neck pain.
Key words: Mechanical neck pain, kinetic control, motor control, cervical spine, physiotherapy, randomized controlled trial