Magnetic Therapy Versus Exercise Therapy in Old Patients With Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain

Mechanical neck pain (MNP) is a common condition that affects all aging groups. MNP has a huge physical, psychological and economic impact. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of magnetic therapy (MT) with exercise versus exercise therapy on neck pain, proprioception, balance, and function in older patients with chronic MNP. Materials & Method: 50 male and female patients with chronic MNP, their ages will range from 56 years and above. They will be allocated from different physiotherapy departments. Eligible participants will be equally randomized into two groups. Group-I: 25 patients will practice the exercise training program in addition to receiving pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) (experimental arm). Group-II: 25 patients will practice the exercise program.All participants will receive three sessions every week for four weeks. The primary outcomes are pain (Visual Analogue Scale VAS) and balance (Single leg stance time test SLST, Tinetti balance assessment, and Timed Up and Go TUG). The secondary outcomes are the Neck Disability Index (NDI), cervical range of motion (CROM), cervical joint position sense error (JPSE), and quality of life QOL SF-36 questionnaire. Measurements will be taken before the first session, after two weeks, and after the last session.

Inclusion Criteria:chronic mechanical neck pain for > 3 months.pain at rest or with movement that is felt in the neck, shoulders, and between scapulas on VAS scale at least 3/10.did not have any physical therapy interventions in the last five weeks.Exclusion Criteria:cognitive impairment, rheumatic disease, infected joints, uncontrolled cardiovascular or pulmonary diseases, neurological conditions or nerve pathology, radicular symptoms, or malignancy.previous cervical spine surgeries.implemented cardiac pacemakers or any other electrical devices.vestibular system dysfunction or internal ear problems.corticosteroid injection in the last 12 weeks before participation.lower limb pain or condition that prevents the participant from performing the standing balance assessment.