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Scapular Muscle Strengthening Combined With Core Stabilization Exercises in Telephone Operators With Neck Pain
Sponsor: University of Lahore
Summary
Scapular muscle strengthening combined with core stabilization exercises is an effective intervention for reducing neck pain in telephone operators. Prolonged sitting, forward head posture, and repetitive upper-limb use in this population often lead to scapular dyskinesis and poor trunk control, increasing cervical spine stress. Strengthening the scapular stabilizers (such as the middle and lower trapezius and serratus anterior) improves shoulder girdle alignment and reduces overload on cervical muscles. When combined with core stabilization exercises, which enhance trunk stability and postural control, overall biomechanical efficiency is improved. This combined approach has been shown to decrease pain intensity, improve neck function, enhance posture, and reduce work-related musculoskeletal strain in telephone operators with neck pain.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
20 Years - 60 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
90
Start Date
2026-02
Completion Date
2026-12
Last Updated
2026-03-20
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Scapular Muscle Strengthening Combined with Core Stabilization Exercises
This intervention consists of a structured therapeutic exercise program focusing on strengthening the scapular stabilizing muscles (including the middle and lower trapezius and serratus anterior) combined with core stabilization exercises targeting the deep abdominal and lumbar muscles. The program is designed to improve postural alignment, enhance trunk and shoulder girdle stability, and reduce mechanical stress on the cervical spine. Exercises are performed under supervision with progressive intensity over the intervention period. The intervention is specifically tailored for telephone operators experiencing work-related neck pain.
Conventional Neck Exercise Program
This intervention consists of conventional physiotherapy exercises commonly used for the management of work-related neck pain. The program includes cervical range-of-motion exercises, stretching of neck and shoulder muscles, and basic isometric strengthening of the cervical musculature. No specific scapular muscle strengthening or core stabilization exercises are included. The exercises are supervised and performed according to standard clinical practice guidelines for neck pain management, serving as a comparator to evaluate the added effects of scapular strengthening combined with core stabilization exercises.