Non-specific neck pain (NSNP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder associated with pain and functional limitations. Female chain market workers are exposed to ergonomic risk factors such as prolonged standing, repetitive movements, and static postures, which may contribute to the development of neck pain. Exercise therapy is considered an effective non-pharmacological treatment approach for NSNP, while kinesio taping has been reported to improve pain and functionality. However, studies investigating the combined effects of home exercise and kinesio taping in female chain market workers are limited. This study aims to evaluate the effects of home exercise and kinesio taping on pain, functionality, and work performance in female chain market workers with non-specific neck pain.
Non-specific neck pain (NSNP) is an important musculoskeletal disorder that may lead to pain, functional limitation, and decreased work performance, especially in occupations with high ergonomic workload. Current literature emphasizes the effectiveness of non-pharmacological approaches and exercise-based interventions in the management of NSNP. However, structured intervention studies focusing on specific occupational groups remain limited. Female chain market workers are continuously exposed to ergonomic risk factors such as prolonged standing, repetitive upper extremity movements, reaching activities, and static neck postures. These occupational factors may increase mechanical stress on the cervical region and contribute to the development and chronicity of NSNP. Previous studies have highlighted the high prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among workers in the retail and service sectors and emphasized the importance of occupation-specific preventive and therapeutic approaches. The primary aim of this study is to compare the effects of a home exercise program and kinesio taping combined with home exercise on pain intensity, neck functionality, and work performance in female chain market workers with NSNP. In addition, this study aims to provide evidence-based scientific contributions to occupational health and ergonomics by evaluating non-pharmacological interventions applicable to this occupational group. This study is designed as a prospective randomized controlled clinical trial. Thirty female chain market workers aged between 18 and 60 years with complaints of NSNP will be included in the study. Participants who have been actively working in chain markets for at least six months and performing tasks such as cashier work or shelf arrangement will be recruited. Participants will be randomly assigned into two groups: Home Exercise Group (n=15) and Kinesio Taping plus Home Exercise Group (n=15). Participants in the Home Exercise Group will perform a home-based exercise program including stretching, strengthening, and posture/ergonomic training targeting the cervical region. Exercises will be performed once daily, five days per week, for six weeks. Participants in the Kinesio Taping plus Home Exercise Group will receive the same exercise program in addition to kinesio taping applied to the cervical region. Kinesio tape applications will be renewed three times per week for six weeks. All participants will be evaluated before the intervention and at the end of the sixth week using standardized outcome measures. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functionality will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), and cervical range of motion will be evaluated using goniometric measurements.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
30
Participants will receive a home-based exercise program for neck pain. The exercises will focus on strengthening neck muscles, increasing flexibility, and reducing pain. Participants will be asked to perform the exercises regularly during the intervention period.
Uskudar University
Istanbul, Uskudar, Turkey (Türkiye)
Visual Analog Scale
Neck pain intensity will be evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), scored from 0 to 10, where higher scores indicate greater pain severity.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after 6 weeks of intervention
Neck Disability Index
Neck functionality will be evaluated using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), scored from 0 to 50, where higher scores indicate greater disability.
Time frame: Baseline and immediately after 6 weeks of intervention
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