1Dept. of Physiotherapy, Manipal College of Allied Health Sciences (MCOAHS), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal, Karnataka - 576104, INDIA.
2Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.
*Corresponding Author: Deepti Chhabra, Dept. of Physiotherapy, N1 Kasturba Hospital, MAHE Manipal Karnataka - 576104, INDIA. Tel.: +91 9845224214 • Fax: 2571915, E-mail: deepti_chhabra2005@yahoo.com.
Cervico-brachial pain is a significant problem affecting many individuals. Neural tissue mobilization [NTM] and cervical lateral glide [CLG] are the suggested treatment protocols for cervico-brachial pain syndrome (CBPS). However, no clinical trials have been found studying the effectiveness of one over another. This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of NTM over CLG. Thirty seven subjects were randomly allocated to one of the two groups- control (CLG) and experimental (NTM). The treatment lasted for a maximum of seven sessions and was combined with hot packs and home exercises. Both the groups were followed for a total of six weeks. The outcome measures were: pain (VAS), painless elbow extension range of motion (i.e. P1), and neck disability index (NDI). Patients were assessed before and on day 8, day 22, and day 43. Non-parametric analysis was done due to the nature of the outcome measures and results showed that both the groups improved significantly for all outcome measures at p =.001. A between group difference was observed for elbow range of motion and NDI at six weeks (p =.001), hence proving the effectiveness of NTM over CLG.
Cervico-brachial pain syndrome, neural tissue mobilization, cervical lateral glide
