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1- Department of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Ka.C, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
2- Department of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercises,Ka.C, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
3- Rehabilitation Research Center, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercises,Ka.C, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Iran
3- Rehabilitation Research Center, Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract: (23 Views)
Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of self-myofascial release (SMR) using a tennis ball, with or without Kinesio taping, on neck pain and cervical range of motion (ROM) in women with nonspecific chronic neck pain.
Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, participants were allocated into three groups: SMR using a tennis ball (TE) (n=20), SMR combined with Kinesio taping (TEKE) (n=20), and a control group (n=20) with no intervention. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and cervical ROM was measured in multiple directions before and immediately after the intervention.
Results: Both intervention groups (TE and TEKE) showed significant improvements in pain reduction and cervical ROM compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were found between the TE and TEKE groups in either outcome, suggesting comparable effectiveness. These findings indicate that tennis ball-based SMR alone may be highly effective in managing neck pain and improving mobility.
Conclusion: SMR with a tennis ball is an effective and low-cost intervention for reducing neck pain and increasing cervical ROM in women with nonspecific chronic neck pain. The addition of Kinesio taping did not yield additional benefits. This method offers a practical self-management strategy that can be easily implemented in both clinical and home settings. Further studies are warranted to evaluate its long-term application and broader clinical relevance.
Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, participants were allocated into three groups: SMR using a tennis ball (TE) (n=20), SMR combined with Kinesio taping (TEKE) (n=20), and a control group (n=20) with no intervention. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and cervical ROM was measured in multiple directions before and immediately after the intervention.
Results: Both intervention groups (TE and TEKE) showed significant improvements in pain reduction and cervical ROM compared to the control group (p < 0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were found between the TE and TEKE groups in either outcome, suggesting comparable effectiveness. These findings indicate that tennis ball-based SMR alone may be highly effective in managing neck pain and improving mobility.
Conclusion: SMR with a tennis ball is an effective and low-cost intervention for reducing neck pain and increasing cervical ROM in women with nonspecific chronic neck pain. The addition of Kinesio taping did not yield additional benefits. This method offers a practical self-management strategy that can be easily implemented in both clinical and home settings. Further studies are warranted to evaluate its long-term application and broader clinical relevance.
Keywords: Neck Pain, Myofascial Release, Kinesio Taping, Range of Motion, Musculoskeletal Manipulations
Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
Sport injury and corrective exercises
Received: 2025/05/22 | Accepted: 2025/10/21
Received: 2025/05/22 | Accepted: 2025/10/21
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