Effects of Cranio-cervical Flexion on Cervical Proprioception

"Participants of this group will receive conventional training along with Cranio-cervical flexion training:~* The pressure cuff is placed behind the neck just next to the occiput and inflated up to a baseline pressure of 20 mmHg. The patient is asked to perform Cranio-Cervical Flexion (CCF) to sequentially reach 5 pressure targets in 2 mmHg increments from a baseline of 20 mmHg to the final level of 30 mmHg. For each target level, the patient is instructed to maintain the contraction for 10 sec for 10 repetitions with brief rest periods between each contraction i.e., 3-5 seconds. Once a set of 10 repetitions of 10 sec is achieved at one target level, the exercise is progressed to train at the next target level up to the final target level at 30 mmHg.~Conventional therapy will be given along with home plan. Exercise protocol will consist of 30 minutes. Exercise will have total 3 sessions/week for 3 weeks."

"Participants of this group will receive only conventional therapy and home plan will be given which includes;~* Hot pack placed on the posterior neck for 15 minutes.~* Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with a frequency of 80 Hz for 20 minutes with 10-30 mA intensity.~* Isometric exercises: Isometric neck flexion, extension, side bending exercises. 10 repetitions. Hold period is 10 seconds for each movement. Resistance would be provided manually by the therapist.~* Stretching exercises: Passive stretching for Sternocleidomastoid, Trapezius, Pectoralis Major. 10 reps and each stretch maintained for 10 seconds.~* Home Plan: Patients will be given a home plan of self-stretches and isometrics and instructions on how to perform and number of repetitions will be guided. Exercise protocol will consist of 25 minutes. Exercise will consist of total 3 sessions/week for 3 weeks"