Affiliations: Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: Soheir Shehata Rezkallah, 11 Ahmed ElTayeib st., Saint Theresa, Shoubra, Cairo, Egypt. Tel.: 01224003374, 0224320635; E-mails: [email protected] and [email protected].
Abstract: BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:Nonspecific neck pain (NS-NP) which is described as neck pain without specific underlying disease is the most common neck pain presentation. This study aimed to compare the influence of the Mulligan sustained apophyseal glides (SNAG’s) with exercise, versus myofascial release (MFR) with exercise, on pain, neck range of motion (ROM), and functional disability in people with NS-NP. METHODS:A single blinded randomized control trial was used. Seventy participants with NS-NP were allocated randomly into three groups, the SNAG’s group received SNAG’s with exercise, the MFR group received MFR with exercise and the control group received exercise only. The selected exercises included strengthening exercises, stretching of the posterior neck muscles, and neck straightening exercises. The total treatment included 12 sessions, 3 sessions per week for 4 consecutive weeks. Pain, neck ROM and neck function was assessed prior to the first treatment and at the end of the 4-week trial. RESULTS:There were statistically significant, time-by-group effects (mixed-design MANOVA) on pain, neck ROM and NDI for all groups (P < 0.0001). SNAG’s with exercise and MFR with exercise yielded significant reduction in pain and neck disability, and increase in neck ROM. Control group reported lesser reduction in pain and neck disability, and lesser increase in neck ROM. CONCLUSION:SNAG’s with exercise and MFR with exercise offered short-term statistically significant improvements in pain, neck ROM and functional disability in NS-NP. However, there is need to ascertain the long-term effects of these treatment approaches, before any further clinical recommendations can be made.
