Effects of Sprinter and Skater on Text Neck Syndromes

Detailed Description (5.2) ‐ Copy Paste:Background: Digital technology has become a vital part of daily life, changing the waypeople work, communicate and relax and resulting in unprecedented levels of screen timefor all generations. Handheld smart devices, such as smartphones, tablets and computers,have become an essential part of the professional, academic and social lives. But withthis technological improvement there has been a significant increase intechnology‐related musculoskeletal disorders. Neck pain, particularly, is one of thebiggest causes of disability globally, especially among young adults and people who workin an office environment performing prolonged sitting postures .The cervical structuresmay be affected by mechanical stress caused by the prolonged flexed position held whileusing a smartphone and computer, also known as Text Neck Syndrome (TNS), and there may bea shift in neuromuscular control. New epidemiological evidence in recent years revealsthat over 4 hours of digital device use has a detrimental effect on the prevalence ofFHP, cervical discomfort, and cervical functional capacity among people. This wasreflective of the fact that there has been a change in human behaviors in the digital agefrom acute injury to chronic postural dysfunction.Objectives: To evaluate the effect of the combination of synergy exercises (sprinting andskater) on the intensity of pain, muscle activation and posture in people suffering fromText Neck Syndrome (TNS). Secondary objectives include determining which technique showssignificantly greater improvement and providing evidence‐based recommendations forphysiotherapy practice in Pakistan.Methodology Research type The study design for this research was randomized clinicaltrials. Study population People of both genders aged 25‐45 years with Text neck syndromeStudy setting Habib Bank of Pakistan, National Bank of Pakistan, Meezan bank Duration ofstudy Study was completed after the approval of synopsis within 4 months. Sampletechnique Consecutive sampling technique were used for sampling. Sample size The samplesize of 50 participants (25 per group) were included calculated by using G power app.Allocation and randomization Randomization was carried out using a computer generatedrandom number generator to ensure unbiased group allocation. At the start of the study, asequence of random number was generated and used to assign participants to either Group Aor Group B. As participants were enrolled, they were allocated to groups according tothis predefined sequence, ensuring that each participant had an equal chance of beingplaced in either group.Intervention Group A : Coordinated Locomotor Training (CLT) The CLT protocol was based onJanda's tonic phasic muscle theory, aimed to restore reciprocal muscle activationpatterns and postural balance Duration: 8 weeks Frequency: 3 sessions per week SessionLength: 40 minutes Table 1 : Session Phases Phase Repetitions / Sets Description Warm‐upHot pack: 10 minutesChin tuck: 2 sets × 10 reps (10 sec hold)Scapular retraction: 2 sets× 10 reps An electric hot pack was applied for approximately 10 minutes prior tointervention to enhance tissue extensibility and circulation. This was followed by chintuck exercises for deep neck flexor activation and scapular retraction exercises topromote postural muscle engagement.Main CLT Phase 2 sets × 10 repetitions per side Alternating Sprinter and Skater synergyexercises performed in supine, sitting, and standing positions to activate deep neckflexors, rhomboids, and serratus anterior while inhibiting upper trapezius and pectoralismajor/minor.Integration Phase 2 sets × 10 repetitions Sequential Sprinter → Skater → Sprintermovement patterns to improve interlimb coordination and neuromuscular control.Relaxation / Cool Down 5 breathing cycles Gentle breathing and relaxation exercises toreduce muscle tension and promote recovery.Participants also perform brief home based micro sessions (5‐8 minutes) during work hoursto maintain postural endurance.Group B: control group: The control group was received a structured program ofconventional physiotherapy exercises focusing on improving neck stability, activatingpostural muscles, and reducing muscle tightness. Conventional protocols sued "deepcervical flexor training, scapular strengthening, and stretching exercises" thatsignificantly improve pain, posture, and functional outcomes in individuals with neckpain and forward head posture.Intervention Parameters ‐ Duration: 8 weeks ‐ Frequency: 3 sessions per week ‐ Session Length: 40 minutes Table 2: Session Phases for Control Group PhaseRepetitions / Sets Description Warm‐up Hot pack: 10 minutesChin tuck: 2 sets × 10reps (10 sec hold)Scapular retraction: 2 sets × 10 reps An electric hot pack wasapplied for approximately 10 minutes prior to intervention to enhance tissueextensibility and circulation. This was followed by chin tuck exercises for deepneck flexor activation and scapular retraction exercises to promote postural muscleengagement.Cervical Stabilization Exercises 2 sets × 10reps (10 sec hold) Deep neck flexor exercises(chin tuck in supine and sitting positions) to improve cervical stability and correctforward head posture.Scapular Strengthening 2 sets × 10 reps Scapular retraction and prone horizontalabduction exercises targeting middle and lower trapezius and rhomboids to improvepostural control.Stretching Exercises 2 sets× 10 reps per muscle (20 sec hold) Static stretching of uppertrapezius, levator scapulae, and pectoralis muscles in sitting to reduce muscle tightnessand improve flexibility.Relaxation / Cool Down 5 breathing cycles Gentle breathing and relaxation exercises toreduce muscle tension and promote recovery.