The Effect of Low-load Endurance Training of Upper Trapezius on Pain, Pressure Pain and Muscle Stiffness in Chronic Neck-shoulder Pain Compared to Stretching Exercise

Participants in the EE group will perform the overhead shrug exercise for the affected side using a green Thera-Band Elastic Band. To perform this exercise, the subject will stand and place one arm of the affected side in an overhead position against the wall. The middle portion of the theraband will be placed on the floor, and the subject will stand on the middle portion of the theraband to fixate it in place with both feet shoulder-width apart. Then, the subject grasp both tails of the theraband and perform the shoulder shrug movement for the affected side with a 3-second elevation, hold at the end range for 5 seconds, and then return back to the starting position with a 3-second depression. The subject will perform this exercise for 20 repetitions per set, 3 sets a day with 1-minute rest between sets, 3 alternate days a week, for 5 weeks. They will be instructed to record all training sessions in a diary.

Participants in the SE group will perform static upper trapezius stretching exercise for the affected side. To perform the stretch, participants will be asked to sit upright on a chair and look straight ahead. To reduce scapular elevation and upward rotation, the ipsilateral hand should be placed below the buttock. The subject will then be asked to perform deep neck flexion, neck rotation towards the affected side, and contralateral side flexion using the opposite hand in a diagonal direction until the position of 'mild discomfort' is attained. They should maintain the deep neck flexion when performing the stretch. The stretch will be held for 30 seconds each set, 3 sets a day, daily for 5 weeks.