Comparison of Scapular Muscle Endurance and Craniovertebral Angle in Motorbike Riders with and Without Neck Pain: A Pilot Study

Background: Motorbike drivers are frequently exposed to sustained postures, road vibrations, and repetitive upper limb movements, making them prone to musculoskeletal issues, particularly in the cervical and scapular regions. Scapular muscle endurance and craniovertebral angle (CVA) are crucial parameters related to postural control and neck function. Alterations in these factors may contribute to or result from neck dysfunction. Context and purpose of study: To compare scapular muscle endurance and craniovertebral angle in motorbike drivers with neck pain and those without neck pain. Results: The unpaired t-test revealed a statistically significant difference in mean scapular muscle endurance between the neck pain group (15.92kg) and the non-neck pain group (20kg), with a p-value of 0.008. Similarly, the craniovertebral angle was markedly reduced in those with neck pain (mean = 43.17°) compared to those without (mean = 49.25°), with a highly significant difference. Conclusion: Participants with neck pain have significantly lower scapular muscle endurance and a smaller craniovertebral angle (CVA) than those without neck pain. KEY WORDS: Cervical spine Angle, Forward Head Posture, Cervical Pain, Scapulothoracic Muscle Endurance.