INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF POSTURAL EXERCISES AND TAPING

INVESTIGATION OF THE EFFECTS OF POSTURAL EXERCISES AND TAPING IN OFFICE WORKERS WITH CHRONIC NECK PAIN

The aim of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Kinesio Taping (KT) and a structured exercise program on pain, disability, balance, and psychosocial well-being in desk-based office workers with chronic neck pain.

Background:

Prolonged sedentary work, particularly desk jobs exceeding six hours per day, is a significant risk factor for chronic neck pain and postural dysfunction. This study focuses on employees of the Kocaeli Governorate to determine which conservative intervention-active (exercise) or passive/supportive (taping)-provides superior clinical outcomes.

Methods:

A total of 45 volunteers (minimum 15 per group) aged 25-55, who work at desks for at least six hours a day and suffer from chronic neck pain, will be enrolled. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups for a 4-week intervention period:

Kinesio Taping Group: Participants will receive therapeutic taping for the cervical region.

Exercise Group: Participants will undergo a structured program focusing on neck stabilization and postural correction.

Control Group: Participants will receive no active intervention and will maintain their routine activities.

Outcome Measures:

Comprehensive assessments will be conducted at baseline and at the end of the 4-week program:

Pain & Disability: Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Neck Disability Index (NDI).

Physical Performance: Balance tests and Deep Neck Flexor Endurance test.

Psychosocial Status: Quality of Life (SF-36) and depression levels (Beck Depression Inventory).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Those who have had neck pain for at least 3 months, Those who have worked at a desk for at least 3 years, Those who work at a computer for at least 6 hours or more a day during working hours, Those who sign the voluntary consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals who have received any physiotherapy program due to neck or back pain within the last 3 months, those with acute torticollis, those who have undergone cervical spine surgery, those with a history of fractures in the cervical vertebrae, those with conditions that will prevent evaluation or communication (such as cognitive problems), individuals with proven specific pathological conditions such as malignancy, fracture, systemic rheumatoid disease, or other musculoskeletal problems that may also affect the cervical region, such as impingement and thoracic outlet, those allergic to kinesiobands