The experimental group received STM and neck isometric strengthening exercises, whereas the control group received neck isometrics strengthening exercises only. Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) was used to assess the pain intensity, while Neck Disability Index (NDI) was used to assess the neck-related disability. The data was collected pre-, during, and post-intervention. Repeated measure analysis of variance (RM ANOVA) was used to analyze within the group changes, while independent t-test was used to analyze the differences between the groups. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 21.
This study describes the comparative effectiveness of STM when used as adjunct to strengthening exercises and when strengthening exercises are used alone for the management of TNS. According to the results of this study, STM in combination with neck isometric strengthening exercises as well as exercises alone were effective for managing neck pain and functional disability when a comparison was made within the groups.
