The effect of wearable postural feedback devices added to the exercise approach on neck pain and proprioception in office workers with nonspecific chronic neck pain

Introduction: Neck pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal problems observed in the general population and among working individuals. The postural feedback approach is used to reduce muscle load, correct working posture, and alleviate musculoskeletal pain, particularly in individuals performing repetitive tasks. Objective: To investigate the effects of wearable postural feedback devices, when added to an exercise program, on neck pain and proprioception in office workers with nonspecific chronic neck pain (NSCNP). Methods: Fifty-two office workers with NSCNP (mean age: 34.82 ± 8.16 years) were randomly assigned into two groups: the "Exercise plus wearable postural feedback device group (Group 1)" and the "Exercise group (Group 2)." Both groups participated in an exercise program consisting of cervical stretching and strengthening exercises for 8 weeks, 3 days per week, with one supervised session each week. Participants in Group 1 were instructed to use the device for 8 weeks, 3 days per week, for at least 3 hours per day during working hours. Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS); pressure pain threshold using an algometer; neck proprioception using the Cervical Joint Position Error Test (CJPE); craniovertebral angle; disability using the Neck Disability Index; range of motion; cervical flexor and extensor muscle strength; endurance of the deep cervical flexor muscles using the Cranio-Cervical Flexion Test; physical activity level using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ); stress level using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS); fatigue using the Multidimensional Fatigue Assessment Scale (MFAS); work performance using the Health and Work Performance Questionnaire; and patient satisfaction using the Global Rating of Change Scale (GROC). Data were analyzed using SPSS software. Results: The groups were similar in sociodemographic and clinical characteristics (p > 0.05). After eight weeks, a significant difference favoring Group 1 was found only in proprioception measurement in the extension direction (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that exercise is effective in the management of NSCNP among office workers, and that the addition of a wearable postural feedback device may provide additional benefits, particularly in specific directions of proprioception. Therefore, the postural feedback device may be considered a supportive tool for promoting proprioceptive improvements when combined with exercise. Keywords: Cervical Pain, Posture, Exercise, Vibrotactile, Feedback