<![CDATA[Neck pain is one of the complaints that can be experienced by students due to their study activities in non-ergonomic positions for long periods. In this condition, tension can occur in the neck muscles, which can cause pain and interfere with daily activities. This study aims to determine the effect of stretching and strengthening exercises on neck pain in students, as well as to find out the difference in effects between the two exercises. This study used a quasi-experimental method with a two-group pre-test and post-test design. The sample in this study consisted of 30 students, divided into two groups: 15 students in the stretching group and 15 students in the strengthening group. The exercises were carried out 3 times a week for 4 weeks. The stretching group was given upper trapezius and levator scapulae exercises, while the strengthening group was given deep neck flexor exercise with chin tuck movement. Pain level was measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) before and after the treatment. For data analysis in this study, the Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were used. The study results showed a significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores in both the stretching and strengthening groups with a p-value <0.001. The Mann-Whitney test also showed a significant difference between the two groups with a p-value <0.001. The stretching group had a mean rank of 21.60, while the strengthening group had a mean rank of 9.40. Future researchers are recommended to use a larger number of respondents, conduct the study over a longer period, and consider other factors that could influence neck pain.]]>
