Effect of Asymptomatic Arm Neural Mobilization in Patients with Cervicobrachial Pain syndrome

Abstract

Cervicobrachial pain syndrome (CBPS) can be characterized by enhanced mechanosensitivity of the neural tissues that can be tested and treated using asymptomatic arm in patients with irritable symptom. The study aimed at examining the effect of asymptomatic arm neural mobilization on elbow extension, pain intensity and disability in patients with unilateral CBPS. Ten patients with mean age of 30.40±10.07 met the eligibility criteria. NPRS and DASH questionnaire were administered at baseline. ULNT1 was performed on symptomatic arm and elbow extension to the point of first pain was noted (P1). Holding symptomatic arm position, ULNT1 was performed on asymptomatic arm and change in symptomatic arm elbow extension was measured (P1c). Six sessions of neural mobilization were administered on asymptomatic arm for six consecutive days and change in symptomatic arm elbow extension was measured everyday (P1m). NPRS and DASH questionnaire re-administered at the end of sixth session. All the patients showed a significant improvement in elbow extension (P1- P1c p<0.001 and P1- P1m p<0.001) and a significant decrease in pain (NPRS p=0.005) and disability (DASH p=0.012). The findings of the study can be used to form the basis of future studies.