Original Research Article
Year: 2022 | Month: January-March | Volume: 7 | Issue: 1 | Pages: 199-208
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijshr.20220132
Assessment and Comparison between Cervical Retraction Exercise and Muscle Energy Technique on Cervical Joint Position Sense in Individuals with Forward Head Posture
Isha Shah1, Parag Kulkarni2, Ajay Kumar3
1M.P.T, DPO's NETT College of Physiotherapy, Thane, Maharashtra, India
2Assistant Professor, DPO's NETT College of Physiotherapy, Thane.
3Principal, DPO’s NETT College of Physiotherapy, Thane.
Corresponding Author: Isha Shah
ABSTRACT
Background: Forward Head posture (FHP) one of the most common postural disorder causes a change in the biomechanical movement, affect the length---tension relationship in the cervical muscles, increase muscular activity level and impair cervical proprioception. Cervical Retraction and Muscle Energy Technique (MET) have been proposed to improve joint proprioception.
Objective: To assess and compare the effect between Cervical Retraction and Muscle Energy Technique on cervical joint position sense in individuals with forward head posture using head repositioning test.
Method: This is a comparative study where 60 subjects were selected as per inclusion and exclusion criteria and assigned to Group A (n=30; Cervical Retraction) and Group B (n=30; Muscle Energy Technique) respectively. Proprioceptive exercises were given to both the groups. The intervention was given for 2 weeks-3 sessions per week. Error in Cervical Joint Position sense was assessed pre and post intervention using Head Repositioning Accuracy test. The data was collected and statistically analysed.
Results: The study showed statistical significant reduction (p<0.05) in error in cervical joint position sense within the groups as well as between the groups for all the physiological movement (Flexion, Extension, Left Rotation and Right Rotation).
Conclusion: Cervical Retraction as well as Muscle Energy Technique can be used to improve Cervical Joint position sense. However, Cervical Retraction is better as compared to Muscle Energy Technique.
Keywords: Forward head posture, Cervical Joint Position sense, Cervical Retraction, Muscle Energy Technique, Head Repositioning Accuracy test.