Effect Of Graston Technique Versus Ischaemic Compression In Students Who Developed Neck Pain During Distance Learning...

Area of Science:

• Physical Therapy
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Musculoskeletal Disorders

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased screen time for academic and work purposes, resulting in a rise in neck pain among students.
• Distance learning and remote work arrangements exacerbated the prevalence of neck pain due to prolonged electronic device usage.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of the Graston Technique against Ischaemic Compression for managing neck pain in students.
• To evaluate the impact of these interventions on pain levels, range of motion (ROM), and functional performance.

Main Methods:

• A pilot randomized clinical trial involving 54 students with neck pain.
• Participants were divided into two groups: one receiving the Graston Technique with a hot pack, the other Ischaemic Compression with a hot pack.
• Treatment was administered three times weekly for four weeks, with assessments using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), goniometry, and the Neck Disability Index (NDI).

Main Results:

• Both treatment groups demonstrated statistically significant improvements in pain (NPRS), disability (NDI), and cervical range of motion (ROM) (p<0.05).
• The Graston Technique group exhibited superior improvements in all measured outcomes compared to the Ischaemic Compression group.

Conclusions:

• Both the Graston Technique and Ischaemic Compression are effective in alleviating neck pain and improving function in students affected by distance learning.
• The Graston Technique appears to be a more effective intervention for this population, offering greater benefits in pain reduction and functional recovery.