Authors (including presenting author) :
Ngai RMP (1), Ko WWK (2), Kwong ASK (2), Lam PL (3), Chan GNY (1)
Affiliation :
(1) Physiotherapy Department, David Trench Rehabilitation Centre, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
(2) Department of Family Medicine & Primary Healthcare, Hong Kong West Cluster
(3) Physiotherapy Department, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong
Introduction :
Most neck pain or discomfort is associated with poor posture and age-related wear and tear. To solve the problem, a neck posture program led by physiotherapist in Nurse & Allied Health Clinic (NAHC) was developed and commenced since April 2019. This one-session program integrates ergonomic and postural advice, Tai Chi elongation exercises, educational self-management and coping strategies. It follows the traditional concept of “Prevention is better than cure” and contemporary idea of “Motion is lotion”.
Objectives :
To evaluate the effectiveness of the neck posture program
To monitor patients’ progress, and enforce reassurance via telephone follow-up
Methodology :
Patients with neck symptom under the inclusion and exclusion criteria of the neck posture program were recruited. The inclusion criteria focused on the patients with posture related neck symptom without upper limb neuropathy and/or use of electronic device for cumulatively at least 6 hours during a day or continuously for at least 4 hours during a day. Outcome measures including Numeric Global Rate of Change Scale (NGRCS), Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and Northwick Park Neck Pain Questionnaire (NPQ) were taken during the program and one-month telephone follow-up. The program was meant to be in class format initially but modified to individual session since February 2020 due to COVID-19 pandemic.
Result & Outcome :
53 patients (class format) and 39 patients (individual session) were recruited and successfully contacted for telephone follow-up. Mean NGRCS after the program was 4.0±2.9 and 4.5±2.5 for class and individual session respectively. Mean NPRS score reduced from 4.5±1.9 to 3.5±1.8 (p< 0.001, 95% CI 0.7 to 1.3) in class group, whereas from 4.5±1.7 to 3.3±2.0 (p< 0.001, 95% CI 0.6 to 1.8) in individual group. Mean NPQ also reduced from 30.8±17.3 to 18.1±15.9 (p< 0.001, 95% CI 10.1 to 15.2) in class group, and from 32.4±12.3 to 20.5±10.9 (p< 0.001, 95% CI 9.5 to 14.3) in individual group. Statistically significant improvements in the symptoms and functions of the patients were found. It indicated that patients in both class and individual formats could benefit from the program. Neck health definitely enhanced by this empowerment program.
