Effectiveness of the scapula mobilization technique on the neural mechanosensitivity of the upper limb neural test 1 in individuals with mechanical cervicalgia. A randomized controlled trial

Objective

to observe whether the mobilization of the scapula improves the mechanosensitivity of the median nerve in patients with cervicalgia. Localized cervical pain caused by compression of a nerve root without presenting irradiated features along the nerve path is diagnosed as cervicalgia. Muscles around the scapula can be directly responsible of this compression.

Methods

60 adults diagnosed with cervicalgia and with a positive upper limb neural test 1(ULNT1) were recruited. Participants in the experimental group received a scapula mobilization technique. Participants in the control group, with electrodes on both sides of the neck and connected to turned off analgesic current device, received an abduction-adduction mobilization of the calcaneus in the lower limb contralateral to the painful area. The variables measured were pain, goniometry of elbow extension in movement for the median neurodynamic test (ULNT1) and hand grip strength.

Results

Results showed that the increase in strength (p = 0.01) and elbow extension movement (p = 0.01) and the decrease in pain (p < 0.01) from the intervention group showed significant changes compared to the changes from control group.

Conclusion

Scapula mobilization technique in subjects presenting with cervicalgia and a positive ULNT1 significantly appears to help improve the neural mechanosensitivity of the median nerve and pain.