A Randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of ultrasound therapy with muscle relaxant gel versus aquasonic transmission gel combined with strengthening exercises protocol in treating text neck syndrome

Boopathy D.; Sathya Siva; Logeshwari V.; Dilip G.; Madhubala V.

doi:10.15391/prrht.2025-10(5).08

Authors

Boopathy D. Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0009-0000-6076-8802
Sathya Siva Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4253-4030
Logeshwari V. Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6750-7924
Dilip G. Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2545-9654
Madhubala V. Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India https://orcid.org/0009-0003-1514-9027

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15391/prrht.2025-10(5).08

Keywords:

Mobile Phone, Muscle Relaxant, Rowing Exercise, Ultrasound Therapy, Y’s exercise

Abstract

Purpose. The term "text neck" refers to an overuse or repetitive stress injury condition where a person is stooped down for extended periods of time at their phone or other electronic devices with their head drooping or flexed forward. The study aimed to find out the effectiveness of ultrasound therapy along with muscle relaxant gel and Aquasonic transmission gel combined strengthening exercise on text neck syndrome.

Material & Methods. A total of 52 subjects with text neck syndrome were randomly divided into 2 groups of 26 subjects in each group using a lottery method. The intervention group received ultrasound therapy along with a muscle relaxant gel and strengthening exercises, while the conventional group received ultrasound therapy with Aquasonic transmission gel combined with strengthening exercises. The NDI and NPRS were used to assess the results both before and after the intervention. The Mann-Whitney U test and the Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to assess the significance of changes observed before and after the intervention.

Results. The study indicates that both groups exhibited significant improvements following treatment. Moreover, ultrasound therapy along with a muscle relaxant gel demonstrated greater significance (p<0.001).

Conclusions. The study found that combining ultrasound therapy with muscle relaxant gel and strengthening exercises effectively reduces pain and improves function in individuals with Text Neck Syndrome, with no adverse effects observed. This approach offers a more efficient treatment and faster recovery compared to conventional therapy, making it a recommended addition to future physical therapy protocols.

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