Eye Exercises and Self-Cervical Mobilization in Office Workers With Neck Pain

Effects of Eye Exercises and Self-Cervical Mobilization on Pain, Cervical Proprioception, and Quality of Life in Office Workers With Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effects of eye exercises and eye exercises plus self-cervical mobilization versus ergonomic education in office workers with mechanical neck pain. A total of 66 participants will be randomized to one of three groups and followed for 6 weeks. Outcomes assessed at baseline and week 6 include pain (VAS), cervical proprioception (joint position error), neck disability (NDI), cervical range of motion, and quality of life (Nottingham Health Profile).

Mechanical neck pain is common among office workers and may be associated with impaired cervical sensorimotor control. This study is a three-arm randomized controlled trial comparing (1) eye exercises, (2) eye exercises plus self-cervical mobilization, and (3) ergonomic education. Sixty-six eligible office workers aged 25-50 years with mechanical neck pain will be randomized using a computer-generated sequence; outcome assessment is intended to be performed by a blinded assessor. The intervention period is 6 weeks with programs delivered 3 times per week. Outcomes will be measured at baseline and week 6, including pain (VAS), cervical proprioception (joint position error), neck disability (NDI), cervical range of motion, and quality of life (Nottingham Health Profile).

Semra Karaçomak Etik Kurul

Inclusion Criteria:

• Office workers aged 25-50 years.
• Desk-based work for ≥6 months.
• Computer use ≥4 hours/day, ≥5 days/week.
• Mechanical neck pain (recurrent in the last 3 months or chronic ≥4 weeks).

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of cervical fracture/trauma or cervical surgery.
• Neurological deficit (e.g., radiculopathy/myelopathy) or vestibular disorder.
• Cervical disc herniation, fibromyalgia, or rheumatologic disease.
• Significant visual disorder/strabismus or conditions affecting oculomotor/vestibulo-ocular function.
• Participation in a neck/eye exercise program within the last 6 months.
• Regular use of analgesics or muscle relaxants.
• Pregnancy.
• Hemophilia or bleeding/coagulation disorders.