A Study to Compare the Effectiveness of Selective Lower Trapezius Strengthening and Conventional Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Range of Motion, and Disability among Patients with Chronic Neck Pain

Purnima Shaheer; Ram Babu; Ankita Thakur

A Study to Compare the Effectiveness of Selective Lower Trapezius Strengthening and Conventional Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Range of Motion, and Disability among Patients with Chronic Neck Pain

Author(s)	Purnima Shaheer, Ram Babu, Ankita Thakur
Country	India
Abstract	Background- Chronic neck pain is a common musculoskeletal disorder associated with impaired scapular stability and weakness of the scapular muscles. Scapular stabilization exercises and selective lower trapezius strengthening have both demonstrated effective in reducing neck pain and improving functional outcomes. However, limited evidence is available comparing these two exercise approaches. Objective- This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of selective lower trapezius strengthening and conventional scapular stabilization exercises on pain, cervical range of motion, and disability among patients with chronic neck pain. Methods- A total of 132 patients were screened, of whom 68 both male and female met the eligibility criteria. Participants were allocated into three groups conveniently : Group A received conventional treatment (hot pack, TENS, and neck isometric exercises) Group B received conventional treatment selective lower trapezius strengthening and Group C received conventional treatment conventional scapular stabilization exercises. Twenty-three participants dropped out from the study leaving 45 participants (15 per group) for final analysis. Outcomes were assessed using NPRS for pain, cervical range of motion measured with a universal goniometer, and NDI on pre treatment on Day 1 and post- treatment 7th and 15th day. Treatment was administered five days per week for three weeks. Results- Within-group analysis demonstrated significant improvements in NPRS, cervical range of motion and NDI scores in all three groups. Between-group analysis demonstrated greater improvement in pain and cervical range of motion in both experimental groups compared with the control group and no significant differences were observed between the two experimental groups. Disability was improved similarly in all the groups. Conclusion- The addition of selective lower trapezius strengthening and conventional scapular stabilization exercises to conventional physiotherapy was more effective than conventional physiotherapy alone in reducing pain and improving cervical range of motion among patients with chronic neck pain. However, no significant difference was observed between the two experimental interventions indicating comparable effectiveness. Disability was improved similarly in all the groups
Keywords	Chronic Neck Pain; Lower Trapezius Strengthening; Scapular Stabilization Exercises; Neck Isometric Exercises; Cervical Range of Motion; Neck Disability Index; Pain; Physiotherapy
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 5, September-October 2026
Published On	2026-09-12

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A Study to Compare the Effectiveness of Selective Lower Trapezius Strengthening and Conventional Scapular Stabilization Exercises on Pain, Range of Motion, and Disability among Patients with Chronic Neck Pain

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