Effectiveness of Kinetic Control-Based Exercises Combined with Conventional Physiotherapy versus Conventional Physiotherapy Alone in Patients with Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Mechanical neck pain is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition affecting global populations. While conventional physiotherapy exercises are widely used, kinetic control-based exercises targeting motor control deficits may provide superior outcomes. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of kinetic control-based exercises combined with conventional physiotherapy versus conventional physiotherapy alone in patients with mechanical neck pain. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 84 participants (aged 25-55 years) diagnosed with mechanical neck pain. Participants were randomly allocated to Group A (kinetic control + conventional exercises, n=42) or Group B (conventional exercises alone, n=42). Both groups received treatment 3 times per week for 6 weeks. Outcome measures included Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, Neck Disability Index (NDI), cervical range of motion (CROM), and pressure pain threshold (PPT). Assessments were conducted at baseline, 3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3-month follow-up. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in all outcome measures (p<0.001). Group A demonstrated superior improvements in VAS scores (4.2±1.1 vs 5.8±1.3, p<0.001), NDI scores (18.6±4.2 vs 26.4±5.1, p<0.001), CROM (flexion: 48.2±3.4° vs 42.1±4.2°, p<0.001), and PPT (2.8±0.4 vs 2.3±0.5 kg/cm², p<0.001) compared to Group B at 6 weeks. Improvements were maintained at 3-month follow-up. Conclusion: Kinetic control-based exercises combined with conventional physiotherapy demonstrated superior effectiveness compared to conventional physiotherapy alone in reducing pain, disability, and improving function in patients with mechanical neck pain. Key words: Mechanical neck pain, kinetic control, motor control, cervical spine, physiotherapy, randomized controlled trial