Comparative effect of exercise therapy and ergonomics methods based on a virtual space on computer users with neck pain

Neck pain is one of the most common injuries at computer environments. This study aimed to compare the effect of exercise rehabilitation and ergonomic methods based on virtual space over 12 weeks on computer users with neck pain. The statistical population of this study included 150 patients with neck pain. This study was quasi experimental and participants were randomly assigned into two ergonomic and combined (exercise rehabilitation and ergonomic) groups. Both groups received their treatment through virtual space; the ergonomic group received ergonomic treatment interventions and combined group in addition to receiving ergonomic treatment interventions performed exercise rehabilitation as well. Pain and disability in the pretest and posttest were studied by a corrective Nordic questionnaire (for neck pain). Neck pain was decreased in participants with neck abnormalities in the experimental group (exercise rehabilitation and ergonomic based on virtual space) compared to the control group at 12 month assessment and also in past 7 days assessment, although the passage of time shows a stronger significant level in 12 months compared to 7 days. Using exercise rehabilitation and ergonomic based on virtual space can improve patients with neck pain, save medical expenses resulting from spatial displacement and program according to appropriate time for patients.