Effect of Cervical Isometric Strengthening Exercises with Electromyographic Biofeedback on Neck Proprioception and Postural Control among Prolonged Computer Users: A Pilot Study
Published: June 1, 2026 | DOI: https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2026/79384.23549
Amrita Preetam, Aditi Gautam, Pramod Kumar Sahu, Sachin Gupta, Shahiduz Zafar, Shagun Agarwal, Mohammad Sidiq, Aksh Chahal
1. Undergraduate Student, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
2. Undergraduate Student, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
3. Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
4. Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
5. Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
6. Professor and Dean, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
7. Associate Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
8. Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Allied Health Sciences, Galgotias University, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
Correspondence
Sachin Gupta,
Room Number B228, Galgotias University Plot No. 2, Yamuna Expy, Opposite Buddha International Circuit, Sector 17A, Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India.
E-mail: sachinguptapt3@gmail.com
Introduction: The use of computers, often referred to as Visual Display Terminals (VDTs), for large-scale data processing and maintaining worldwide databases is growing in popularity. Excessive com-puter use can cause VDT syndrome, which includes a direct effect on neck proprioception and postural control.
Aim: The present pilot study aimed to compare the outcomes of the groups-one undergoing cervical isometric strengthening exercise with Electromyographic (EMG) biofeedback (experimental group) and the other performing neck isometric exercises only (control group)-to assess the effectiveness of the inter-vention.
Materials and Methods: The present pilot study randomised 40 subjects (20 in the experimental group and 20 in the control group), aged 18-35 years. The study was conducted at the Physiotherapy De-partment of Galgotias University, Uttar Pradesh, India, over four months (August 2023-November 2023). A total of forty computer users were recruited from colleges and universities and were allocated into two groups based on inclusion criteria: Group A (Experimental) and Group B (Control). The experimental group performed cervical isometric strengthening Exercise with EMG biofeedback, while the control group under-went a neck isometric exercise. The study measured various outcome variables, including neck propriocep-tion, Forward Head Posture (FHP), static balance, and dynamic balance. Student’s t-test: Paired t-test (within-group) and independent t-test (between-group) were used and assessed the significance of the differences.
Results: A total of 40 computer users were divided equally into two groups. Group A (interven-tion) showed statistically significant improvements in all outcome measures compared to Group B (con-trol). Within Group A, HRA Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) improved in all directions—flexion, exten-sion, right and left lateral flexion, and right and left rotation (all p<0.001). In contrast, Group B showed no significant within-group improvements in any variable (p>0.05). Between-group analysis using unpaired t-tests revealed significantly better post-intervention outcomes in Group A for NDI (p<0.001), CROM flexion (p<0.001), extension (p<0.001), right and left lateral flexion (p<0.001), and right and left rotation (p<0.001). These findings support the effectiveness of the ergonomic and exercise inter-vention in reducing disability and improving cervical mobility.
Conclusion: The findings of the present study indicate that cervical isometric strengthening exercises combined with EMG biofeedback result in significant improvements in neck proprioception, FHP, and both static and dynamic balance. These improvements were evidenced by statistically significant dif-ferences between the experimental and control groups, with the experimental group demonstrating greater overall gains.
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