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Effectiveness of Muscle Strengthening Exercises on Neck Pain Among Adolescents: A Quasi-Experimental Study 
Pooja1 Shalu1, Ritu2
1Independent Researcher, Delhi, India.
2Assistant Professor, Shaheed Udham Singh College of Nursing, Haryana, India.
1Independent Researcher, Delhi, India.
2Assistant Professor, Shaheed Udham Singh College of Nursing, Haryana, India.
Keywords
Muscle strengthening exercises; Neck pain; Adolescents; Quasi-experimental study; Pain management
Abstract
Background: Poor posture during adolescence—especially forward head posture resulting
from prolonged use of digital devices and heavy academic loads—contributes significantly to
mus-culoskeletal disorders, including neck pain. Muscle strengthening exercises have emerged
as a potential non-pharmacological intervention to reduce neck pain and improve posture.
Objectives: This study was undertaken to: (1) assess the level of neck pain among adolescents
before and after the implementation of a muscle strengthening exercise program, (2) evaluate
the effectiveness of these exercises in alleviating neck pain, and (3) examine the association
between post-intervention neck pain levels and selected demographic and clinical variables.
Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 60 adolescent students selected
through non-probability purposive sampling from Government Girls Senior Secondary School,
Safidon (JIND). Data were collected using a structured demographic and clinical questionnaire
(Part A) and the Modified Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale (Part B). A pre-test was
followed by a Planned Teaching Program (PTP) that covered the introduction, procedure,
indications, and contraindications of muscle strengthening exercises. A post-test was
administered 15 days after the intervention. Data were analyzed using descriptive and
inferential statistics.
Results: The mean pre-test pain score was 55.67%, which significantly reduced to 27.67% in
the post-test, indicating an improvement in neck pain levels among adolescents following the
intervention. Chi-square analysis revealed a significant association between post-intervention
pain levels and selected demographic (age, gender, education, area of residence, etc.), and
clinical variables (type and duration of neck pain, daily screen usage, posture habits, etc.) at the
0.05 significance level. However, no significant association was found for other variables.
Conclusion: The findings indicate that muscle strengthening exercises are effective in
reducing neck pain among adolescents. Educating students on proper posture and incorporating
regular exercise can play a critical role in managing musculoskeletal health in the school-age
population.
How to cite this article:
Pooja, Shalu. Effectiveness of Muscle Strengthening Exercises on Neck Pain
Among Adolescents: A Quasi-Experimental Study, Studies in Nursing &
Healthcare 2025; 2(1): 10-19.
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