COMPARING THE EFFICACY OF UPPER TRAPEZIUS KINESIOTAPING AND STRETCHING EXERCISES IN PATIENTS WITH MECHANICAL NECK ACHE

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIM
Globally, around one third of population is suffering from persistent neck pain and it is considered as 4th important source of disability in
the population. Several treatment protocols are available now a day to facilitate patient recovery. Therefore, the aim of this study is
to identify the effects of kinesiotaping in improving neck pain, upper trapezius muscle strength and functional disability.
STUDY DESIGN
Randomized controlled trial
SAMPLE SIZE
68 participants were recruited for the study.
METHODOLOGY
All participants of age 18-40 years were assessed using assessment Performa. Pain intensity, upper trapezius muscle strength and Neck
disability index were measured at baseline and after treatment sessions. Group A comprised of 34 participant, received
Kinesiotaping and conventional physical therapy treatment whereas, equal number of participants were recruited in Group B
that received upper trapezius stretching and conventional physical therapy.
RESULT
The study revealed that both interventions (Kinesiotaping and stretching) were effective i.e., <0.05 in improving pain intensity,
muscle strength and functional disability in patients with mechanical neck ache but significant improvement were recorded in group
treated with kinesiotaping.
CONCLUSION
The study concluded that both interventions are effective in improving pain intensity, muscle strength and neck disability index
but kinesiotaping is more beneficial than stretching among patient with mechanical neck ache.

KEYWORDS
Neck ache, Kinesiotape, Stretching exercises, Pain scale, Muscle strength, Neck disability index (NDI).