Effects of Stabilization Exercise Program using Electromyography Light Biofeedback on Clinical Symptoms in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of a stabilization exercise program using electromyographic (EMG) light biofeedback on the clinical symptoms of patients with chronic neck pain accompanied by forward head posture and tension-type headaches. The intervention focused on reducing compensatory muscle activation in order to enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of the stabilization training. Design: Randomized controlled trial Methods: Thirty-one participants diagnosed with chronic neck pain and forward head posture were randomly assigned to an experimental or control group. Both groups underwenta stabilization exercise program twice a week for eight weeks. The experimental group received EMG light biofeedback targeting the upper trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles to minimize compensatory activation during the exercises. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in neck pain and disability after participating in the 8-week stabilization exercise program (p<0.05). The experimental group tended to show more consistent and larger improvements than the control group. However, the differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. No significant changes in headache symptoms were observed in either group during the intervention period. This suggests that while the exercises helped reduce neck pain and improve function, their effect on headaches was limited. Conclusions: Stabilization exercises were effective in reducing pain and disability in patients with chronic neck pain. While EMG light biofeedback showed the potential for enhancing symptom improvement, its added benefit over conventional exercise was not statistically significant. Further research with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periodsis needed to explore its clinical value.