title: Effects of stabilization exercises with a Swiss ball on neck-shoulder pain and mobility of adults with prolonged exposure to VDTs.
abstract: [Purpose] This study compared the effects on neck-shoulder pain and mobility of strengthening exercises for the neck flexors and scapular retractors performed on a Swiss ball and a mat. [Subjects] Twenty student volunteers were the subjects. [Methods] The students were randomly assigned to two groups: Mat group (n=10), and Swiss ball group (n=10). At pre-test, post-test, and 1-week follow-up pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), the pain pressure threshold (PPT) of the shoulder was measured with an algometer, and neck mobility was measured with a Zebris. [Results] The data analysis revealed that there was a significant decrease in pain and significant increase in neck flexion in both groups, and the Swiss ball group showed better results. [Conclusion] Strengthening the neck flexors and scapular retractors for stabilization of the neck using exercises on a Swiss ball was more effective at reducing the pain and stabilizing the neck than mat exercises.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Catholic University of Daegu, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jeoung-Ah
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Ahn
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medical Science, Catholic University of Daegu, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Joong-Hwi
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Kim
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medical Science, Catholic University of Daegu, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Anthony L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Bendik
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, College of Medical Science, Catholic University of Daegu, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Ju-Yong
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Shin
keywords: Forward head posture; Swiss ball; Visual display terminal syndrome