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Papacharalambous C, Savva C, Karagiannis C, Paraskevopoulos E, Pamboris GM. Comparative Effects of Neurodynamic Slider and Tensioner Mobilization Techniques on Sympathetic Nervous System Function: A Randomized Controlled Trial. J Clin Med 2024; 13:5098. [PMID: 39274312 PMCID: PMC11396284 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13175098] [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: 08/06/2024] [Revised: 08/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: To investigate the effect of slider and tensioner neurodynamic techniques (NDTs) on the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity, aiming to identify which technique more effectively modulates autonomic responses in asymptomatic individuals. Materials and Methods: In this double-blind controlled trial, a total of 90 healthy participants were randomly allocated into three groups: slider, tensioner, and control. Skin conductance (SC) was continuously monitored throughout the entire 20 min experiment, while body temperature and blood pressure were measured pre- and post-intervention. Results: The SC levels significantly increased in both the slider and tensioner groups compared to the control group during the intervention and end rest period on the left leg (slider vs. control: p < 0.001, d = 1.20; tensioner vs. control: p < 0.001, d = 1.64) and on the right leg (slider vs. control: p < 0.001, d = 1.47; tensioner vs. control: p < 0.001, d = 0.73). There were no significant differences between the two NDTs on the left (p < 0.13, d = 0.89) and right legs (p < 1.00, d = 0.36). The body temperature of the slider group showed a significant increase compared to both the control group (p < 0.001, d = 0.95) and the tensioner group (p < 0.001, d = 1.48). There were no significant differences between the groups in systolic (p = 0.95) or diastolic blood pressure (p = 0.06). There were no side-specific effects on SNS activity between the left and right legs (p < 0.019) during all intervention phases. Conclusions: Significant sympathoexcitatory responses were elicited by both slider and tensioner NDTs in asymptomatic participants, demonstrating their efficacy in modulating the SNS. The differences between the two techniques were not statistically significant; however, the tensioner NDT showed a slightly more pronounced effect, suggesting that the tensioner NDT can be considered superior in terms of overall SNS effect. These findings indicate that both techniques may have the potential to enhance autonomic regulation in clinical practice; however, the tensioner NDT may be more effective. The consistent responses across participants highlight the systemic benefits of NDTs, providing a foundation for further research into their application in symptomatic populations. This study contributes to evidence-based practice by providing baseline data that support the development of theoretical frameworks and aid in clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christos Savva
- Department of Life and Health Sciences, Frederick University, Limassol 3080, Cyprus
| | - Christos Karagiannis
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
| | | | - George M Pamboris
- Department of Health Sciences, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus
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Gutiérrez-Espinoza H, Estrella-Flores E, Cuyul-Vásquez I, Jorquera-Aguilera R, Francisco López-Gil J, Araya-Quintanilla F. Effects of a Conventional Treatment Plus Scapular Exercises Program in Patients With Chronic Lateral Elbow Tendinopathy: A Pre-Post Single-Group Study. J Sport Rehabil 2024; 33:106-113. [PMID: 38167648 DOI: 10.1123/jsr.2023-0071] [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: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Weakness of the shoulder girdle muscles has been reported in patients with chronic lateral elbow tendinopathy. The aim of this study was to assess the short- and long-term effects of a conventional treatment plus scapular exercises program in patients with chronic lateral elbow tendinopathy. METHODS A single-group prestudy and poststudy were conducted. The primary outcome was the Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation questionnaire score. Secondary outcomes were grip strength; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire score; Visual Analogue Scale score at rest and at grip, and presence of scapular dyskinesis. RESULTS A total of 65 patients (72.3% females), with a mean age of 41.8 years, were analyzed. At the end of 6 weeks, the results showed clinically and statistically significant differences (P < .05). At 1-year follow-up, the differences were: Patient-Rated Tennis Elbow Evaluation -31 points (P < .001); grip strength +33.6% (P < .001); Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand -34.2 points (P < .001); Visual Analogue Scale at rest -2.5 cm (P < .001); and Visual Analogue Scale at grip -2.3 cm (P < .001). CONCLUSION At the end of 6 weeks and at 1-year follow-up, conventional treatment plus scapular exercises program showed statistically and clinically significant differences in all functional outcomes assessed in patients with lateral elbow tendinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Iván Cuyul-Vásquez
- Faculty of Health, Therapeutic Process Department, Temuco Catholic University, Temuco, Chile
| | | | | | - Felipe Araya-Quintanilla
- Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Odontología y Ciencias de la Rehabilitación, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
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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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Burgess NE, Gilbert KK, Sobczak S, Sizer PS, Homen D, Lierly M, Kearns GA, Brismée JM. Upper limb neurodynamic mobilization disperses intraneural fluid in cervical nerve roots: A human cadaveric investigation. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2023; 68:102876. [PMID: 37931585 DOI: 10.1016/j.msksp.2023.102876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical radiculopathy is a common cause of neck pain with resultant intraneural edema and impaired nerve function. One strategy to treat radiculopathy is neurodynamic mobilization (NDM); however, little is known about the effect of this treatment on nerve tissue fluid dynamics. OBJECTIVE Investigate the impact of upper limb, median nerve-biased NDM on longitudinal intraneural fluid dispersion in the C5,C6,C7 nerve roots in un-embalmed cadavers. DESIGN In situ repeated measures. METHODS Human cadavers (n = 8) were dissected to expose and inject C5,C6,C7 cervical nerve roots with a dying agent. Initial longitudinal dye spread was recorded after dye spread stabilization. Cadavers were taken through 150 repetitions of upper limb, median nerve-biased NDM followed by dye spread re-measurement. Paired-samples t-tests with Bonferroni correction (α = 0.017) were used to compare pre-vs post-NDM dye spread measurements at C5,C6,C7 nerve roots; a one-way repeated measures ANOVA (α = 0.05) was used to examine differences between change scores for C5,C6,C7 nerve roots. RESULTS Median nerve-biased NDM resulted in significant intraneural longitudinal dye spread at C5 and C6 nerve roots of 0.6 ± 0.6 mm and 3.4 ± 3.9 mm, respectively (p < 0.014). Dye spread was not significant at C7 nerve root (0.4 ± 0.7 mm). There was no between root difference in change of longitudinal dye spread between C5, C6, and C7 nerve roots. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study show median nerve-biased NDM produced internal fluid movement within C5 and C6 cervical nerve roots. Results provide insight regarding possible mechanism of action and feasibility of NDM in treatment of patients with cervical radiculopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan E Burgess
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Mail Stop 6280, Lubbock, TX, 79430-6280, United States.
| | - Kerry K Gilbert
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Mail Stop 6280, Lubbock, TX, 79430-6280, United States.
| | - Stéphane Sobczak
- Université du Québec à Trois-Riviéres, 3351 Des Forges Boulevard, Trois-Riviéres, Quebec, G8Z 4M3, Canada.
| | - Phil S Sizer
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Mail Stop 6280, Lubbock, TX, 79430-6280, United States.
| | - Dylan Homen
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Mail Stop 6280, Lubbock, TX, 79430-6280, United States.
| | - Micah Lierly
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Mail Stop 6280, Lubbock, TX, 79430-6280, United States.
| | - Gary A Kearns
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Mail Stop 6280, Lubbock, TX, 79430-6280, United States.
| | - Jean-Michel Brismée
- Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street, Mail Stop 6280, Lubbock, TX, 79430-6280, United States.
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Comparative Efficacy of Routine Physical Therapy with and without Neuromobilization in the Treatment of Patients with Mild to Moderate Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:2155765. [PMID: 35782066 PMCID: PMC9242805 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2155765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Median nerve mobilization is a relatively new technique that can be used to treat carpal tunnel syndrome. But literature about additional effects of neuromobilization for the management of carpal tunnel syndrome is scarce. Objective To examine and compare the role of median nerve neuromobilization at the wrist as compared to routine physical therapy in improving pain numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), range of motion (Ballestero-Pérez et al., 2017), muscle strength, and functional status. Methods A sample size of 66 patients was recruited using convenient sampling and distributed randomly in two groups. After assessing both groups using ROM, manual muscle strength, pain at NPRS, and functional status on the Boston Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Questionnaire (BCTQ), which consists of two further scales (the symptom severity scale (SSS) and the functional status scale (FSS)), Group 1 received conservative treatment including ultrasound therapy two days a week for six weeks, using a pulsed mode 0.8 W/cm2 and frequency 1 MHz, wrist splinting, and tendon gliding exercises, while Group 2 received both conservative treatments including ultrasound, splinting, and tendon gliding exercises as well as a neuromobilization technique. Treatment was given for 6 weeks, 2 sessions/week, and patients were reassessed at the end of the 3rd and 6th weeks. Results Although both groups improved significantly in terms of all the outcome measures used, the neuromobilization groups showed a statistically more significant increase in flexion, extension, decrease in pain, decrease in SSS, decrease in FSS, and BCTQ as compared to the routine physical therapy group. Conclusions The addition of neuromobilization in the rehabilitation program of carpal tunnel syndrome has better effects on treatment outcomes.
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