Effect of Proprioceptive Exercises along with Corrective Ergonomics on Middle Deltoid and Serratus Anterior Fatigue in Dentists with Non-Specific Chronic Neck Pain

Muscle imbalance between the stabilizers and mobilizers of the neck and shoulders leads to increased work-related pressure, superficial muscle fatigue, and deep muscle atrophy, which in turn leads to many health problems, such as neck pain and disability. To prevent such disorders, a high endurance of the cervical stabilizer muscles is essential for repetitive movements in the distal and shoulder region. In this study the exercise program (including postural exercises, simultaneous training of shoulder-neck, scapular movements and co-contraction) were designed for 48 dentists. The statistical analysis showed that there was a significant decrease in the median frequency slope of the middle deltoid muscle (p = 0.004) and for the group who received the proprioception training along with posture correction exercises and exercise therapy (p = 0.004). Neck pain increased in the control group who received no exercises, after six weeks (p = 0.165).