The Effect of Tissue Stretching and Release Strategies on Neck Muscles Fatigue and Pain Intensity in Office Workers Affected by Chronic Neck Pain: A Rater-Blind, Semi-Experimental Study.

研究概要

Forty-five women with nonspecific chronic neck pain were randomized to stretching (n=15), tissue release (n=15), or control (n=15). The primary outcome was neck pain intensity (VAS). Secondary outcomes were subjective fatigue (VAS) and objective fatigue (surface EMG median frequency) in cervical extensors, upper trapezius, and sternocleidomastoid during an induced 40-minute, 45° neck-flexion typing task. Outcomes were measured at baseline and after 6 weeks of thrice-weekly sessions. Overall, the study found both stretching and release significantly reduced pain versus control, with release showing broader improvements in fatigue late in the typing task. In short, brief, low-cost self-care programs—particularly release—reduced pain and mitigated fatigue accumulation during prolonged flexed-neck computer work.