Abstract
Background Purpose The primary aim of this research was to explore the effectiveness of Impulse iQ® Adjusting Instrument Therapy compared to PNF stretching of the upper trapezius muscle in the treatment of chronic neck pain. Method A group of 30 participants between the ages of 18 and 50 years of age, were selected to partake in this study, all of which were needed to present with chronic neck pain (neck pain for a period of 3 months or more) as well as associated active Myofascial trigger points TrP 1 or TrP 2 of the upper trapezius muscle either unilateral or bilateral. The participants were randomly allocated into two groups of 15 participants respectively. The first group was treated with Impulse iQ® Adjusting Instrument (IAI) Therapy on either TrP 1 and TrP 2 of upper trapezius muscle and the second group was treated with PNF stretching of either TrP 1 and TrP 2 of upper trapezius muscle. Each participant received 2 treatments per week during the 3 week trial period. The subjective and objective data collection was taken at the start of the trial, during the 4th visit and 7th visit. On the 7th visit only data collection was done, there were no treatments administered. The subjective measurements were performed by utilising a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-11) to measure perceived pain. The objective measurements were performed by pressure algometer to measure pain pressure threshold (PPT) and by a easyangle goniometer to measure cervical range of motion (ROM). All the data was collected and interpreted by the researcher and the data was analysed by an assigned statistician from STATKON. Results Statistical analysis was performed using non-parametric tests including the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality. The Friedman and Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests were performed for intragroup analysis and the Mann- Whitney U test was performed for intergroup analysis. The statistical vi analysis showed a statistically significant difference for the intragroup analysis and no statistical significance for the intergroup analysis. Hence, no treatment protocol proved to be more superior to the other. Conclusion This study showed that both IAI and PNF stretching treatments were effective in treating chronic neck pain.
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)