Comparative Effectiveness of Cervical Stabilization and Scapular Stabilization Exercises in Individuals with Non-Specific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background:
Non-specific neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder associated with pain, functional limitations,
and reduced quality of life. Stabilization exercises targeting the cervical and scapular regions are commonly
used; however, comparative evidence regarding their effectiveness remains limited.
Objective:
To compare the effectiveness of cervical stabilization and scapular stabilization exercises on pain intensity
and functional disability in individuals with non-specific neck pain.
Methods:
A randomized controlled trial was conducted among 60 participants aged 18–40 years with non-specific neck
pain. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: cervical stabilization (Group A) and scapular
stabilization (Group B). Both groups underwent supervised exercise interventions for 3 weeks (5 sessions
per week). Outcome measures included pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and
functional disability assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Statistical analysis was performed using
paired and independent t-tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.
Results:
Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in VAS and NDI scores following the intervention (p <
0.001). No statistically significant difference was observed between groups for pain reduction (p > 0.05).
However, cervical stabilization exercises resulted in significantly greater improvement in functional
disability compared to scapular stabilization exercises (p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
Both cervical and scapular stabilization exercises are effective in reducing pain and improving functional
disability in individuals with non-specific neck pain. Cervical stabilization exercises demonstrated superior
effectiveness in improving functional disability, while both interventions were equally effective in reducing
pain intensity.