Effect of Age and Gender on Treatment Outcomes Following Stabilization Exercises in Individuals with Non-Specific Neck Pain

Abstract

Background
Non-specific neck pain (NSNP) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders worldwide and is
associated with pain, functional limitation, reduced productivity, and diminished quality of life. Stabilization
exercises are widely used in conservative physiotherapy to improve cervical stability, neuromuscular control,
and functional performance. However, limited evidence exists regarding whether demographic factors such
as age and gender influence treatment outcomes following stabilization exercises.
Objective
To determine the effect of age and gender on treatment outcomes following stabilization exercises in
individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain.
Methods
This secondary analysis utilized data from a randomized controlled trial involving 60 individuals with
chronic non-specific neck pain. Participants underwent either cervical stabilization or scapular stabilization
exercises for 3 weeks. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and functional
disability using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Treatment outcomes were compared according to age
group and gender using paired t-tests, independent t-tests, and one-way ANOVA, with statistical significance
set at p < 0.05.
Results
The mean age of the participants was 28.62 ± 6.41 years, and 55% were male. Significant improvements
were observed following the intervention in both pain intensity (VAS: 6.48 ± 1.16 to 4.92 ± 2.34; mean
improvement 1.57 ± 2.02; p < 0.001) and functional disability (NDI: 25.87 ± 5.13 to 16.45 ± 6.61; mean
improvement 9.42 ± 6.19; p < 0.001). Female participants demonstrated numerically greater improvements
than males; however, no statistically significant gender differences were observed for VAS (p = 0.103) or
NDI (p = 0.569). Similarly, treatment outcomes did not differ significantly among age groups for VAS (p =
0.243) or NDI (p = 0.183).
Conclusion
Stabilization exercises significantly reduced pain and improved functional disability in individuals with
chronic non-specific neck pain. Neither age nor gender significantly influenced treatment outcomes,
suggesting that stabilization exercises are effective across adult patients aged 18–40 years regardless of
demographic characteristics.