Efficacy of Stretching Exercises Versus Postisometric Relaxation Technique on Pain, Functional Disability and Range of Motion in Patients with Cervical Spondylosis. A Randomized controlled trial

Objectives: To compare between the effectiveness of the post isometric relaxation technique and the stretching exercises on pain intensity, functional disability and range of motion in patients with cervical spondylosis. Patients and methods: Thirty male and female patients diagnosed with chronic cervical spondylosis were participated in the study. They were randomly assigned into two groups. Group (A) received infrared, isometric exercises, and post isometric relaxation technique. Group (B) received infrared, isometric exercises and passive stretching exercises for the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles for 4 weeks, three times per week. Assessment was conducted at the beginning of the first session and after the last session. Pain intensity was assessed using visual analogue scale, Neck disability index was used to assess functional neck disability and OB goniometer was used to assess neck range of motion. Results: There was no significant difference between the post isometric relaxation and the stretching exercises in decreasing pain intensity, functional disability and improving neck range of motion. Stretching exercises were more effective in increasing range of motion of cervical flexion and right side bending with P<0.05. Conclusion: Both post isometric relaxation technique and stretching exercises are effective in decreasing pain intensity, functional disability and improving neck range of motion in patients with chronic cervical spondylosis.