Clinical Outcomes of Neuro-Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy in Women’s Health: A Pre–Post Study
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Abstract
Background: Neuro-musculoskeletal disorders are common contributors to pain, restricted mobility, functional disability, and reduced independence among women. Biological factors, pregnancy-related biomechanical changes, repetitive domestic and occupational activities, poor ergonomics, and reduced physical activity may increase women’s vulnerability to persistent movement dysfunction and chronic pain. Objective: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of a structured six-week neuro-musculoskeletal physiotherapy rehabilitation program among women with neuro-musculoskeletal disorders using pre–post assessment of pain intensity and functional disability. Methods: A quasi-experimental single-group pre–post interventional study was conducted at the Department of Physical Therapy, Mahaban Hospital, Topi, Swabi, Pakistan, from January to June 2025. Sixty women aged 20–60 years with neuro-musculoskeletal disorders received physiotherapy three sessions per week for six weeks. The intervention included therapeutic exercise, stretching, strengthening, core stabilization, neuromuscular re-education, manual therapy, postural correction, ergonomic education, functional training, and home exercise. Pain was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale, and functional disability was assessed using condition-specific disability tools. Pre- and post-intervention scores were compared using paired-sample t-tests. Results: The mean age was 38.6 ± 9.4 years. Low back pain was the most frequent condition (40.0%). Mean VAS pain score decreased from 7.1 ± 1.3 to 3.2 ± 1.1, while functional disability score improved from 58.4 ± 10.2 to 31.6 ± 8.7 after intervention (p<0.001). Functional improvement was also observed in postural control, mobility, sitting tolerance, walking endurance, and household activities. Conclusion: A structured six-week neuro-musculoskeletal physiotherapy program was associated with significant short-term improvement in pain intensity, functional disability, and daily functional performance among women with neuro-musculoskeletal disorders.
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