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Baptista FM, Nery E, Cruz EB, Afreixo V, Silva AG. Effectiveness of Neural Mobilisation on Pain Intensity, Functional Status, and Physical Performance in Adults with Musculoskeletal Pain - A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. Clin Rehabil 2024; 38:145-183. [PMID: 37990512 PMCID: PMC10725147 DOI: 10.1177/02692155231215216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate up-to-date evidence of the effectiveness of neural mobilisation techniques compared with any type of comparator in improving pain, function, and physical performance in people with musculoskeletal pain. DATA SOURCES The following sources were consulted: PubMed, Web of Science, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus, and PEDro databases; scientific repositories; and clinical trial registers. The last search was performed on 01/06/2023. METHODS Two reviewers independently assessed the studies for inclusion. We included randomised, quasi-randomised, and crossover trials on musculoskeletal pain in which at least one group received neural mobilisation (alone or as part of multimodal interventions). Meta-analyses were performed where possible. The RoB 2 and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation tools were used to assess risk of bias and to rate the certainty of evidence, respectively. RESULTS Thirty-nine trials were identified. There was a significant effect favouring neural mobilisation for pain and function in people with low back pain, but not for flexibility. For neck pain, there was a significant effect favouring neural mobilisation as part of multimodal interventions for pain, but not for function and range of motion. Regarding other musculoskeletal conditions, it was not possible to conclude whether neural mobilisation is effective in improving pain and function. There was very low confidence for all effect estimates. CONCLUSIONS Neural mobilisation as part of multimodal interventions appears to have a positive effect on pain for patients with low back pain and neck pain and on function in people with low back pain. For the other musculoskeletal conditions, results are inconclusive.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ellen Nery
- CINTESIS.UA@RISE, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Eduardo Brazete Cruz
- Departamento Fisioterapia, Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, Escola Superior de Saúde, Setúbal, Portugal / CHRC – Comprehensive Health Research Center, Setubal, Portugal
| | - Vera Afreixo
- Department of Mathematics, CIDMA – Center for Research and Development in Mathematics and Applications, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Anabela G Silva
- CINTESIS.UA@RISE, School of Health Sciences, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
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Polo-Ferrero L, Canchal-Crespo D, Sáez-Gutiérrez S, Dávila-Marcos A, Puente-González AS, Méndez-Sánchez R. Specific Neurodynamic Exercises on Pain and Disability in Old Women with Chronic Mechanical Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 12:20. [PMID: 38200926 PMCID: PMC10779372 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12010020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodynamic exercise is a specific type of exercise used as a neural treatment that focuses on restoring altered homeostasis in the neuroimmune system by mobilising the nervous system and other structures. A prospective, randomized clinical trial was performed to evaluate the effect of neurodynamic exercises on disability and neck pain in elderly women over four weeks. Participants were randomized into two groups: a neurodynamic (NM) group (n = 28) and a non-specific exercise (NSE) group (n = 28). Inclusion criteria were women over 65 years of age who subjectively admitted to having mechanical neck pain for more than six months. Results showed that specific neurodynamic exercises can improve pain and disability in older women with chronic mechanical neck pain. Improvements were observed in all variables (p < 0.05). Significant between-group differences in favour of the NM group were only found for neck pressure pain thresholds and both tibialis anterior muscles. Larger effect sizes were obtained in favour of the NM group, especially for pain, disability, neck extension and inclination and pressure pain thresholds. Neurodynamic exercises have been shown to be more clinically relevant in disability and neck pain in older women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Polo-Ferrero
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (L.P.-F.); (S.S.-G.); (A.D.-M.); (R.M.-S.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - Susana Sáez-Gutiérrez
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (L.P.-F.); (S.S.-G.); (A.D.-M.); (R.M.-S.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Arturo Dávila-Marcos
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (L.P.-F.); (S.S.-G.); (A.D.-M.); (R.M.-S.)
| | - Ana Silvia Puente-González
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (L.P.-F.); (S.S.-G.); (A.D.-M.); (R.M.-S.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Roberto Méndez-Sánchez
- Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (L.P.-F.); (S.S.-G.); (A.D.-M.); (R.M.-S.)
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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Salis Z, Gallego B, Sainsbury A. Researchers in rheumatology should avoid categorization of continuous predictor variables. BMC Med Res Methodol 2023; 23:104. [PMID: 37101144 PMCID: PMC10134601 DOI: 10.1186/s12874-023-01926-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rheumatology researchers often categorize continuous predictor variables. We aimed to show how this practice may alter results from observational studies in rheumatology. METHODS We conducted and compared the results of two analyses of the association between our predictor variable (percentage change in body mass index [BMI] from baseline to four years) and two outcome variable domains of structure and pain in knee and hip osteoarthritis. These two outcome variable domains covered 26 different outcomes for knee and hip combined. In the first analysis (categorical analysis), percentage change in BMI was categorized as ≥ 5% decrease in BMI, < 5% change in BMI, and ≥ 5% increase in BMI, while in the second analysis (continuous analysis), it was left as a continuous variable. In both analyses (categorical and continuous), we used generalized estimating equations with a logistic link function to investigate the association between the percentage change in BMI and the outcomes. RESULTS For eight of the 26 investigated outcomes (31%), the results from the categorical analyses were different from the results from the continuous analyses. These differences were of three types: 1) for six of these eight outcomes, while the continuous analyses revealed associations in both directions (i.e., a decrease in BMI had one effect, while an increase in BMI had the opposite effect), the categorical analyses showed associations only in one direction of BMI change, not both; 2) for another one of these eight outcomes, the categorical analyses suggested an association with change in BMI, while this association was not shown in the continuous analyses (this is potentially a false positive association); 3) for the last of the eight outcomes, the continuous analyses suggested an association of change in BMI, while this association was not shown in the categorical analyses (this is potentially a false negative association). CONCLUSIONS Categorization of continuous predictor variables alters the results of analyses and could lead to different conclusions; therefore, researchers in rheumatology should avoid it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zubeyir Salis
- The University of New South Wales, Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Blanca Gallego
- The University of New South Wales, Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Amanda Sainsbury
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, Perth, WA, 6009, Australia.
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Nuñez de Arenas-Arroyo S, Martínez-Vizcaíno V, Cavero-Redondo I, Álvarez-Bueno C, Reina-Gutierrez S, Torres-Costoso A. The Effect of Neurodynamic Techniques on the Dispersion of Intraneural Edema: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14472. [PMID: 36361353 PMCID: PMC9655711 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is evidence for the positive effects of neurodynamic techniques in some peripheral entrapment neuropathies, but the rationale for these effects has not been validated. We aimed to estimate the direct effect of neurodynamic techniques on the dispersion of artificially induced intraneural edema measured by dye spread in cadavers. METHODS We systematically searched the MEDLINE, WOS, Scopus, and the Cochrane databases from inception to February 2020 for experimental studies addressing the efficacy of neurodynamic techniques on the dispersion of artificially induced intraneural edema. The DerSimonian and Laird method was used to compute pooled estimates of the mean differences (MDs) and its respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Subgroup analyses were conducted according to the type of neurodynamic technique. In addition, a 95% prediction interval was calculated to reflect the variation in true treatment effects in different settings, including the effect to be expected in future patients. RESULTS Pooled results showed a significant increase in fluid dispersion (MD = 2.57 mm; 95%CI: 1.13 to 4.01). Subgroup analysis showed increased dye spread in the tensioning techniques group (MD = 2.22 mm; 95%CI: 0.86 to 3.57). CONCLUSION Neurodynamic techniques improved the intraneural edema dispersion and should be considered for the management of peripheral compression neuropathies. Furthermore, tensioning techniques appear to be effective in helping to disperse intraneural edema.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vicente Martínez-Vizcaíno
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 340000, Chile
| | - Iván Cavero-Redondo
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Talca 340000, Chile
| | - Celia Álvarez-Bueno
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain
- Universidad Artística y Politécnica del Paraguay, Asunción 2024, Paraguay
| | - Sara Reina-Gutierrez
- Health and Social Research Center, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 16071 Cuenca, Spain
| | - Ana Torres-Costoso
- Facultad de Fisioterapia y Enfermería, Universidad de Castilla-La Mancha, 45071 Toledo, Spain
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González-Matilla R, Abuín-Porras V, Casuso-Holgado MJ, Riquelme I, Heredia-Rizo AM. Effects of neural mobilization in disorders associated with chronic secondary musculoskeletal pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2022; 49:101618. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2022.101618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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Magni NE, McNair PJ, Rice DA. Mobilisation or immobilisation-based treatments for first carpometacarpal joint osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis with subgroup analyses. HAND THERAPY 2022; 27:37-48. [PMID: 37904729 PMCID: PMC10584044 DOI: 10.1177/17589983221083994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Both joint mobilisation and immobilisation are thought to be effective in the treatment of first carpometacarpal joint (CMCJ) osteoarthritis (OA). The objective of this review was to establish whether either intervention reduced pain and improved pinch strength in people with first CMCJ OA in the short term and assess whether one intervention is superior to the other. Method This was a systematic review and meta-analysis. Seven databases were searched until May 2021. Only RCTs were included. The Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and the Grade of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system were utilised to rate the evidence. Random-effects meta-analysis with subgroup analyses were used. Results Eight studies were included with a total of 417 participants. Mobilisation treatments included manual therapy with or without exercise while immobilisation interventions utilised thumb splinting with several different designs. Very low-quality and low-quality evidence showed that mobilisation led to statistically but not clinically significant improvements in pain (standardised mean difference (SMD) = 0.53; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.03 to 1; I2 = 60%; p = 0.06) and pinch strength (SMD = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.03 to 0.7; I2 = 12%; p = 0.3) compared to placebo. Very low-quality and low-quality evidence showed no effect on pain and pinch strength compared to a control or no intervention. Subgroup analyses revealed no difference between interventions. Discussion Neither mobilisation nor immobilisation alone led to clinically important improvements in pain or pinch strength in the short term in people with symptomatic first CMCJ OA. Neither therapeutic strategy appeared to be superior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicoló Edoardo Magni
- Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter John McNair
- Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - David Andrew Rice
- Health and Rehabilitation Research Institute, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand
- Waitemata Pain Service, Department of Anaesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, North Shore Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
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Short-term Effects of Neurodynamic Techniques for Treating Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021; 51:566-580. [PMID: 34784245 DOI: 10.2519/jospt.2021.10533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We aimed (1) to estimate the short-term effect (postintervention period) of neurodynamic techniques on pain, symptom severity, functional status, electrophysiological status, grip strength, and pinch strength in people with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS); and (2) to estimate the effect of neurodynamic techniques compared to other physical therapy modalities and surgical interventions. DESIGN Intervention systematic review with meta-analysis. LITERATURE SEARCH We searched the MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, and Scopus databases from their inception to September 2020. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomized controlled trials reporting the effect of neurodynamic techniques on pain, symptom severity, function, distal motor latency, grip strength, and pinch strength in people with CTS. DATA SYNTHESIS Using the DerSimonian-Laird method, we estimated pooled standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach to judge the certainty of the evidence of each pairwise comparison. RESULTS There were 22 trials included (n = 1203 people with CTS; mean age, 26.0 to 57.9 years; mean symptom duration, 4.1 to 62.8 months). There was very low-certainty evidence of neurodynamic techniques improving pain (SMD, -0.54; 95% CI: -0.95, -0.13) and function (SMD, -0.35; 95% CI: -0.61, -0.09). There was no significant effect on symptom severity (very low certainty), distal motor latency (very low certainty), and grip and pinch strength (low certainty). CONCLUSION Neurodynamic techniques were effective for improving pain and function in people with CTS, albeit with very low-certainty evidence. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2021;51(12):566-580. Epub 16 Nov 2021.doi:10.2519/jospt.2021.10533.
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Pedersini P, Gobbo M, Bishop MD, Arendt-Nielsen L, Villafañe JH. Functional and structural neuroplastic changes related to sensitization proxies in patients with Osteoarthritis: a systematic review. PAIN MEDICINE 2021; 23:488-498. [PMID: 34633466 DOI: 10.1093/pm/pnab301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Several reports in literature have identified sensitization as a possible basis for the enhanced pain reactions associated with Osteoarthritis (OA). The aim of this current systematic review is to summarize functional and structural brain changes associated with surrogate sensitization parameters assessed in patients with OA-related pain. DESIGN Systematic review. SUBJECTS Patients with OA related pain. METHODS A literature search was conducted systematically in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE databases for human studies up to December 2019. Articles were included if they assessed brain imaging and senzitisation parameters (quantitative sensory testing and questionnaires) in adults with OA related pain. Methodological quality was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies (MINORS) score. RESULTS Five studies reporting on 138 patients were included in this review. The MINORS scale yielded mean scores of 8.5/16 and 12.3/24, for the cohort and case-control studies respectively. Four low-quality studies suggest a greater pain matrix activation associated with clinical measures of sensitization in patients with OA, while another study underlined the presence of structural changes (reduced gray matter volume) in the cortical areas involved in the nociceptive processing possible also related to sensitization. CONCLUSION This review shows conflicting evidence for structural and functional neuroplastic brain changes related to sensitization proxies in patients with OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Pedersini
- IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - M Gobbo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - M D Bishop
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Florida, USA
| | - L Arendt-Nielsen
- Center for Neuroplasticity and Pain (CNAP), SMI, Department of Health Science and Technology, School of Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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Pedersini P, López-Royo MP, Herrero P, Cantero-Tellez R, Valdes K, La Touche R, Fernández-Carnero J, Villafañe JH. Prevalence of Myofascial Trigger Points in the First Dorsal Interosseous Muscle in Patients With Thumb Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis Compared to Healthy Controls. TOPICS IN GERIATRIC REHABILITATION 2021. [DOI: 10.1097/tgr.0000000000000331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Neurodynamische Mobilisation bei OA bringt vorübergehende
Schmerzlinderung. AKTUEL RHEUMATOL 2021. [DOI: 10.1055/a-1515-5410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Es gibt viele Studien, die nicht-pharmakologische Behandlungsmöglichkeiten
bei einer Osteoarthritis (OA) evaluierten, bisher gibt es jedoch wenige
Interventionen, die speziell auf die Reduzierung der Schmerzempfindlichkeit
abzielen. Pedersini et al. bewerteten in vorliegender Studie die
Wirksamkeit der neurodynamischen Mobilisationstechniken im Vergleich zu passiven
robotischen physiologischen Bewegungen bei Patienten mit OA der Hand.
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Pedersini P, Bishop MD, Villafañe JH. Osteoarthritis Related Pain: Which Procedure is the Optimal Choice? ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF GENERAL MEDICINE 2021. [DOI: 10.29333/ejgm/11014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Pedersini P, Savoldi M, Berjano P, Villafañe JH. A probiotic intervention on pain hypersensitivity and microbiota composition in patients with osteoarthritis pain: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Arch Rheumatol 2021; 36:296-301. [PMID: 34527936 PMCID: PMC8418770 DOI: 10.46497/archrheumatol.2021.7719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study aims to examine the effects of probiotics on pain hypersensitivity at the end of a six-week intervention program in patients with osteoarthritis (OA)-related pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS This double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial with two parallel arms will be conducted between January 2021 and July 2022. At least 30 participants (age range, 50 to 90 years) of both sexes with a diagnosis of symptomatic hip or knee (Kellgren-Lawrence scale ≥3) will be recruited in each arm (total n=60) to achieve adequate statistical power in the analyses. The intervention will be administered for six weeks followed by a four-week follow-up period. The experimental group will receive a probiotic product plus the usual medical care. The control group will receive a probiotical sham plus the usual medical care. Assessment points will be measured at baseline, end of intervention, and one-month post-intervention. The outcomes of this intervention will be a change in visual analog scale pain and the gut microbiota composition. Group by time effects will be compared using mixed-model analysis of variance. CONCLUSION A reduction in pain hypersensitivity in patients with knee OA-related pain could suggest an involvement of microbiota, or part of it, in chronic pain state mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Pedersini
- Department of Clinical Research, IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Savoldi
- Department of School of Physiotherapy, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Pedro Berjano
- Department of Spinal Surgery, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy
| | - Jorge Hugo Villafañe
- Department of Clinical Research, IRCCS Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan, Italy
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Efficacy of Manual Therapy on Facilitatory Nociception and Endogenous Pain Modulation in Older Adults with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Case Series. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/app11041895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Background: manual therapy (MT) has been shown to have positive effects in patients with osteoarthritis (OA)-related pain, and its use in clinical settings is recommended. However, the mechanisms of action for how these positive effects occur are not yet well understood. The aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of MT treatment on facilitatory nociception and endogenous pain modulation in patients with knee OA related pain. Methods: Twenty-eight patients with knee OA were included in this study. Pain intensity using the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), temporal summation (TS), conditioned pain modulation (CPM), and local (knee) and distant (elbow) hyperalgesia through the pressure pain threshold (PPT), were assessed to evaluate the pain modulatory system. Patients underwent four sessions of MT treatments within 3 weeks and were evaluated at the baseline, after the first session and after the fourth session. Results: the MT treatment reduced knee pain after the first session (p = 0.03) and after the fourth session (p = 0.04). TS decreased significantly after the fourth session of MT (p = 0.02), while a significant increase in the CPM assessment was detected after the fourth session (p = 0.05). No significant changes in the PPT over the knee and elbow were found in the follow-ups. Conclusions: The results from our study suggest that MT might be an effective and safe method for improving pain and for decreasing temporal summation.
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