Comparison of effect of Different Sensitizing Maneuvers on Slump test between Normal and Overweight Young Adults

Abstract

Background: Slump test, a neurodynamic test was used to test the mechanical movement of the neurological tissues and to test their sensitivity to mechanical stress. Various studies have been conducted to test the responses to slump test in normal young healthy adults. There is paucity of literature on the use of slump test in overweight young adults. Therefore the current study aims at finding out if increased tissue interface due to increased tissue mass in overweight young adults had an effect on normal neural tissue mobility as compared to normal young adults. Aims: To compare the effect of different sensitizing maneuvers on slump test between normal and overweight young adults. Objectives: To measure the active knee extension deficit angle pre and post addition of sensitizing maneuvers in normal and overweight young adults and compare them. Settings and design: One time comparative study carried out at tertiary care hospital, Mumbai. Materials and Method: 200 young healthy adults within the age group of 20-40 years were randomly selected for the study, of which 100 had a normal B.M.I.i.e.18.5-24.9 and 100 had overweight B.M.I. i.e.25-29.9.The outcome measure used was the goniometric active knee extension deficit angle. The readings were taken in four positions namely cervical spine neutral with ankle neutral, cervical spine neutral with ankle dorsiflexion, cervical spine flexion with ankle neutral, cervical spine flexion with ankle dorsiflexion and compared on both sides. Statistical analysis: Mann-Whitney'U' test was used to analyze the active knee extension deficit angle score between the normal and overweight groups in all four positions. Results: The mean active knee extension deficit angle score between the normal and overweight groups in all four positions was statistically significant (p<0.0001). Conclusion: From the study it can be concluded that the neural tissue extensibility was reduced in overweight young adults as compared to age matched normal young adults.However, in both the groups the active knee extension deficit angle was below 30 degrees which is considered clinically normal.