Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation And Passive Vertebral Mobilization For Neck Disability In Patients With Mechanical Neck Pain

Summary

Mechanical neck pain is a common musculoskeletal condition that affects many people, especially those with poor posture or repetitive neck movements. It can cause discomfort, reduce the ability to move the neck, and affect daily functioning. This study aimed to compare the effects of two physiotherapy treatments-Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) and Passive Vertebral Mobilization (PVM)-on neck pain, disability, and movement.

This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital over nine months. A total of 62 participants, aged 18 to 35 years, who had mechanical neck pain for at least four weeks, were recruited and randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group A received PNF, while Group B received PVM. Both treatments were delivered by physiotherapists three times per week for four weeks.

PNF is an active therapy that involves specific movement patterns to improve muscle coordination and flexibility. PVM is a passive manual therapy technique where the therapist gently moves the neck vertebrae to improve joint mobility and reduce pain.

Outcomes were measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), and measurements of neck movement (Active Cervical Range of Motion, or ACROM) at the start of the study, at two weeks, and at the end of the four-week treatment. The study was single-blinded-meaning the person assessing the outcomes did not know which treatment the patient received.

The results showed that both treatments significantly improved pain, movement, and function. However, the group that received PNF showed slightly greater reduction in pain scores by the end of the treatment. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of disability or movement range.

This study concluded that both PNF and PVM are beneficial treatments for mechanical neck pain. PNF may offer slightly faster pain relief, while both interventions are effective at improving mobility and reducing neck-related disability. These findings can help guide physiotherapists and patients in choosing suitable treatment options for neck pain.

Conditions

• Neck Pain
• Neck Pain Musculoskeletal
• Mechanical Neck Pain
• Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
• Mobilization

Interventions

OTHER

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF)

Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) techniques were applied to the cervical region using rhythmic initiation, dynamic reversals, and contract-relax methods. Movements followed diagonal cranio-cervical patterns including flexion/extension with rotational components. Each session lasted 15-30 minutes, delivered three times per week for four weeks. Repetitions and sets were progressively increased based on patient tolerance. The goal was to enhance neuromuscular coordination, improve cervical range of motion, and reduce pain through active facilitation techniques.

OTHER

Passive Vertebral Mobilization (PVM)

Passive Vertebral Mobilization (PVM) was administered using Maitland mobilization techniques applied to the cervical spine. Posteroanterior central and unilateral glides were performed with the participant in a prone position. Mobilizations started with Grades I-II during Weeks 1-2 and progressed to Grades III-IV in Weeks 3-4, depending on patient response. Each session lasted 15-20 minutes and was conducted three times weekly over four weeks. This passive manual therapy aimed to improve joint mobility, reduce muscle stiffness, and alleviate mechanical neck pain.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Lahore

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

35 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2024-08-17

Primary Completion

2025-04-16

Completion

2025-06-06

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations