Comparison of Yoga and Stabilization Exercises on, Range of Motion, Movement Accuracy and Pain of String Musicians with Non-specific Chronic Neck Pain

Background: Neck pain was the second most common form of musculoskeletal injury reported in professional violinists. Neck pain has been identified as the second most frequent musculoskeletal disorder in professional violinists. Objectives: This study examines the effect of yoga exercises and neck stabilization on the range of neck movements, accuracy of head movement, and pain in the neck muscles. Methods: A total of 45 male violinists aged 18 - 25 with non-specific chronic neck pain participated in this study. All active neck range of motion movements (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, and right and left rotation), accuracy of head movements, and pain were assessed using a goniometer and photogrammetry, the head angle reconstruction test, and the visual pain index, both before and after six weeks of selected yoga exercises and neck stabilization training. Results: After six weeks of selected yoga and stabilization exercises, significant improvements were observed in the range of neck movement (P < 0.05), accuracy of head movements (P < 0.05), and pain reduction (P < 0.05) among violin players with non-specific chronic neck pain. Conclusions: The results indicate that yoga exercises and neck stabilization exercises yield effective results in increasing neck range of motion, enhancing the accuracy of head movement, and reducing pain. Therefore, incorporating yoga exercises as a supplementary exercise therapy is recommended to improve symptoms and disorders associated with non-specific chronic neck pain.