ORIGINAL PAPER
Comparative effects of myofascial release and Bowen therapy in patients with text neck syndrome: a randomised clinical trial
1
College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
2
Riphah College of Rehabilitation and Allied Health Sciences, Riphah International University, Lahore, Pakistan
3
Department of Physical Therapy, University of Sialkot, Sialkot, Pakistan
4
Department of Rehabilitation Science, Green International University, Lahore, Pakistan
Submission date: 2024-06-24
Acceptance date: 2026-01-15
Online publication date: 2026-09-21
Corresponding author
Fareeha Amjad
College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, P.O. Box 2440, Hail, Saudi Arabia
College of Applied Medical Sciences, University of Hail, P.O. Box 2440, Hail, Saudi Arabia
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
The phrase ‘text neck’ refers to an overuse syndrome or repetitive stress injury caused by a person bending down and keeping their head hanging or curved forward while staring at a smartphone or other electronic device for extended periods.
Methods:
In a randomised clinical trial study conducted at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, 30 patients (18–35 years old, both sexes) with text neck syndrome and chronic neck pain were divided into two groups: group A (myofascial release therapy, n = 15) and group B (Bowen therapy, n = 15). Both groups received their respective therapies and conventional physical therapy (hot pack) for six weeks, three sessions per week. Assessments were made at baseline and after six weeks using the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), neck disability index (NDI), craniovertebral angle (CVA), rounded shoulder assessment (RSA), and cervical range of motion (ROM), with data analysed using SPSS.
Results:
The study included two groups: A (mean age 27.27 ± 4.22 years) and B (mean age 28.73 ± 4.53 years). Group A showed a significant decrease in NPRS, craniovertebral angle, and rounded shoulder assessment post-treatment (p = 0.022). Group B showed significant decreases in NPRS and NDI scores post-treatment (p = 0.000).
Conclusions:
Results showed that both therapies were effective for patients with text neck syndrome. However, Bowen therapy reduces pain, improves cervical range of motion, and enhances well-being compared to the myofascial release group.
The phrase ‘text neck’ refers to an overuse syndrome or repetitive stress injury caused by a person bending down and keeping their head hanging or curved forward while staring at a smartphone or other electronic device for extended periods.
Methods:
In a randomised clinical trial study conducted at the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, 30 patients (18–35 years old, both sexes) with text neck syndrome and chronic neck pain were divided into two groups: group A (myofascial release therapy, n = 15) and group B (Bowen therapy, n = 15). Both groups received their respective therapies and conventional physical therapy (hot pack) for six weeks, three sessions per week. Assessments were made at baseline and after six weeks using the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), neck disability index (NDI), craniovertebral angle (CVA), rounded shoulder assessment (RSA), and cervical range of motion (ROM), with data analysed using SPSS.
Results:
The study included two groups: A (mean age 27.27 ± 4.22 years) and B (mean age 28.73 ± 4.53 years). Group A showed a significant decrease in NPRS, craniovertebral angle, and rounded shoulder assessment post-treatment (p = 0.022). Group B showed significant decreases in NPRS and NDI scores post-treatment (p = 0.000).
Conclusions:
Results showed that both therapies were effective for patients with text neck syndrome. However, Bowen therapy reduces pain, improves cervical range of motion, and enhances well-being compared to the myofascial release group.
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| eISSN: | 2544-4395 |
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