Effects of Online Exercise Intervention on Physical and Mental Conditions in Young Adults with Chronic Neck Pain

Objectives

This study aimedto compare the efficacy of online exercise therapy with conventional exercise therapy on pain, function, psychological status and work efficiency of young adults with chronic neck pain.

Methods

A randomized clinical trial recruiting35 university students with self-reported chronic neck pain was conducted. Participants were randomly assigned into the experimental group receiving online exercise therapy and the active control group receiving conventional exercise therapy.Participants in both groups completed the same exercise program 3sessions per week for 6 weeks, with either face-to-face or online mode of delivery by physiotherapists.The pain level was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS)based on average and at maximum intensity. Neck function and work limitations were assessed by the Neck Disability Index (NDI) and Work Limitations Questionnaire (WLQ) respectively. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and its sub-scales(HADS-A and HADS-D)were used to evaluate the overall symptoms, levels of anxiety and depression respectively.Participants were assessed at baseline and at 6 weeks while the changes in WLQ were assessed biweekly.

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