Authors :
Dr. Komal Agrawal; Dr. Vitrag Sancheti; Dr. Rutwa Pandya
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 6 - June
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/2e9w97k9
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25jun606
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Background:
Forward Head Posture (FHP) is increasingly prevalent among janitors due to repetitive physical tasks, often resulting
in chronic neck pain and limited cervical mobility. This study evaluates the immediate effectiveness of Percussor Massage
Therapy (PMT) in alleviating pain and improving cervical range of motion (ROM) in this high-risk occupational group.
Methodology:
An experimental single-arm study was conducted on 12 janitors aged 35–50 years, diagnosed with FHP
(craniovertebral angle >49°). Participants underwent a single 15-minute PMT session targeting cervical and upper shoulder
muscles. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Neck Pain
and Disability Scale (NPAD), and goniometric cervical ROM measurements.
Results:
Statistical analysis using paired t-tests revealed significant reductions in pain scores (NPRS: pre 4.82, post 2.27; p <
0.001) and improvements in cervical flexion, extension, and functional scores (NPAD: pre 64.36, post 40.00; p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
PMT demonstrated immediate and significant benefits in reducing pain and improving cervical ROM in janitors with
FHP. Its non-invasive nature and practicality suggest its utility as an effective ergonomic intervention in occupational
settings.
Keywords :
Forward Head Posture, Percussor Massage Therapy, Janitors, Cervical Range Of Motion, Neck Pain, Ergonomics.
References :
- Percussion Gun and Scapular Stabilization Exercises versus Scapular Stabilization Exercises in Participants with Upper Cross Syndrome: A Randomized Controlled Trial | Semantic Scholar [Internet]. [cited 2025 Jan 7]. Available from: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Percussion-Gun-and-Scapular-Stabilization-Exercises-Motimath-Narvekar/8cf0f34886165f35ae4cdec1d5a5d89e62fc1546
- Yilmaz Menek M, Dansuk E, Tayboga UI. Effect of Local Vibration Therapy on Pain, Joint Position Sense, Kinesiophobia, and Disability in Cervical Disc Herniation: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Clin Med. 2024 Aug 5;13(15):4566.
- Immediate effect of stretched myofascial dry needling on the myofascial trigger point in the upper trapezius muscle: a case report | Request PDF [Internet]. [cited 2025 Jan 7]. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374282689_Immediate_effect_of_stretched_myofascial_dry_needling_on_the_myofascial_trigger_point_in_the_upper_trapezius_muscle_a_case_report
- Buoite Stella A, Dragonetti AM, Fontanot S, Sabot R, Martini M, Galmonte A, et al. The Acute Effects of Cold Water Immersion and Percussive Massage Therapy on Neuromuscular Properties and Muscle Soreness after Exercise in Young Male Soccer Players. Sports (Basel). 2024 Jun 15;12(6):167.
- Yang C, Li Y, Sucharit W, Eungpinichpong W, Huang X. Effects of percussive massage therapy on fascia echo intensity and fascia thickness in firefighters with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Complement Med Ther. 2024 Nov 8;24(1):390.
- Kwon L. Portable Percussive Massage Device-Related Rectus Sheath Hematoma and Obstructive Uropathy: A Case Report. Biomed Hub. 2024;9(1):89–93.
- Nakamura M, Uchida H, Murakami Y, Kasahara K, Imai T, Konrad A. The Acute Effect of Percussive Massage Intervention with and without Heat Application on Plantar Flexor Muscles’ Passive and Active Properties. J Sports Sci Med. 2024 Mar;23(1):73–8.
- Heinke L, Javanmardi S, Rappelt L, Konrad A, Schleip R, Knicker AJ, et al. Comparison of the effects of cold water immersion and percussive massage on the recovery after exhausting eccentric exercise: A three-armed randomized controlled trial. Front Physiol. 2024;15:1432009.
- Liu Z, Zhong Y, Maemichi T, Zhou Q, Okunuki T, Li Y, et al. Acute Effects of Local High-Frequency Percussive Massage on Deep Fascial and Muscular Stiffness and Joint Range of Motion in Young Adult Men. J Sport Rehabil. 2024 May 1;33(4):252–8.
- Kethüdaoğlu MO, Özdemir AE, Kaya Sağlam Ö, Çağlar E, Meran Çağlar M, Demir G, et al. Immediate effects of soft tissue mobilization and percussive massage on balance in young adults with pes planus: A single blind, randomized controlled pilot study. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2024 Oct;40:397–402.
- Ibrahim HM, Raoof NALA, Diab OA, Khalil AA. Prevalence of Forward Head Posture among Cleaning Workers and Its Correlation to Physical Workload. Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine. 2024 Apr 10;94(1):1027–34.
Background:
Forward Head Posture (FHP) is increasingly prevalent among janitors due to repetitive physical tasks, often resulting
in chronic neck pain and limited cervical mobility. This study evaluates the immediate effectiveness of Percussor Massage
Therapy (PMT) in alleviating pain and improving cervical range of motion (ROM) in this high-risk occupational group.
Methodology:
An experimental single-arm study was conducted on 12 janitors aged 35–50 years, diagnosed with FHP
(craniovertebral angle >49°). Participants underwent a single 15-minute PMT session targeting cervical and upper shoulder
muscles. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Neck Pain
and Disability Scale (NPAD), and goniometric cervical ROM measurements.
Results:
Statistical analysis using paired t-tests revealed significant reductions in pain scores (NPRS: pre 4.82, post 2.27; p <
0.001) and improvements in cervical flexion, extension, and functional scores (NPAD: pre 64.36, post 40.00; p < 0.001).
Conclusion:
PMT demonstrated immediate and significant benefits in reducing pain and improving cervical ROM in janitors with
FHP. Its non-invasive nature and practicality suggest its utility as an effective ergonomic intervention in occupational
settings.
Keywords :
Forward Head Posture, Percussor Massage Therapy, Janitors, Cervical Range Of Motion, Neck Pain, Ergonomics.