A comparative study on effectiveness of muscle energy technique versus proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation for perceived stress and disability in chronic neck pain
Dr. Anbu Rajesh
, MD Azam Pasha , Dr. A. K. Vijay Krishna Kumar
KEYWORDS: Chronic neck pain , MET , PNF , Perceived stress scale , Neck pain and disability scale
BACKGROUND:
The musculoskeletal system facilitates movement and provides structural integrity to the body. Among the musculoskeletal problem, neck pain is the third most commonly self-reported musculoskeletal disease, affecting over 29 million people. Symptoms are considered chronic if they last longer than 12 weeks [1]. The levator scapulae and upper trapezius are two often impacted postural muscles that can limit and shorten neck range of motion. Taking care of these muscular parts could result in notable gains. Treatment for such diseases may benefit from the Muscle Energy Technique (MET).
Exercise therapy has been demonstrated to be an effective treatment for neck discomfort, increasing range of motion and decreasing neck impairment. Nevertheless, there is insufficient data to compare the efficacy of Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) with MET in treating persistent neck discomfort. To make firm judgments about the relative efficacy of various methods, more investigation is required.
OBJECTIVE:
TO Compare the effectiveness of muscle energy technique (MET) versus PNF for perceived stress and disability in chronic neck pain
METHODOLOGY:
In this comparative study with a sample size of 40 participants, 20 patients will receive Muscle Energy Technique (MET)which is group A while another 20 will undergo Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) techniques which is group B . The treatment program consists of 8 sessions for 2 weeks, totaling of 8 sessions overall Pain levels will be measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for patients scoring above 5.
RESULT:
The study assessed MET and PNF for chronic neck pain using SPSS 23.0. Demographics showed no significant age or gender differences between Group A (32.95 ± 4.76 years) and Group B (31.80 ± 4.91 years). Both groups had significant pain reduction (NPRS), disability (NPDS), and stress (PSS) improvements post-intervention (p < 0.001). Group A’s NPRS improved from 7.65 to 3.05, and Group B’s from 7.65 to 2.95. Similarly, NPDS and PSS scores significantly decreased in both groups. No significant differences in improvements were found between groups for NPRS (p = 0.757) or NPDS (p = 0.934).
CONCLUSION:
This study found that both PNF (hold relax) and METs significantly reduced pain, stress, and disability after 8 days of treatment, with no significant difference between the two methods. Both approaches are equally effective, likely due to their shared mechanisms of autogenic and reciprocal inhibition, muscle lengthening, and the use of exteroceptive stimuli in PNF. The results suggest that reducing pain can improve overall quality of life. Further research is needed to explore PNF pain management strategies for neck pain and disability. In conclusion, PNF, METs, and other techniques can effectively treat pain and disability.
"A comparative study on effectiveness of muscle energy technique versus proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation for perceived stress and disability in chronic neck pain", IJSDR - International Journal of Scientific Development and Research (www.IJSDR.org), ISSN:2455-2631, Vol.10, Issue 3, page no.b257-b270, March-2025, Available :https://ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR2503129.pdf
Volume 10
Issue 3,
March-2025
Pages : b257-b270
Paper Reg. ID: IJSDR_301029
Published Paper Id: IJSDR2503129
Downloads: 000178
Research Area: Health Science All
Country: Bangalore, Karnataka, India
ISSN: 2455-2631 | IMPACT FACTOR: 9.15 Calculated By Google Scholar | ESTD YEAR: 2016
An International Scholarly Open Access Journal, Peer-Reviewed, Refereed Journal Impact Factor 9.15 Calculate by Google Scholar and Semantic Scholar | AI-Powered Research Tool, Multidisciplinary, Monthly, Multilanguage Journal Indexing in All Major Database & Metadata, Citation Generator
Publisher: IJSDR(IJ Publication) Janvi Wave
