A study on the efficacy of mulligan concept in cervical spine pain and stiffness

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of NAGs for pain, pain in available end range, various ranges of motion, certain activities of daily living (ADL) and anxiety associated with cervical spine pain and stiffness. Relevance: The studies on NAGs and its functional outcomes have not been reported in literature. Several questions regarding NAGs remain unanswered especially about its efficacy in pain and stiffness affecting ADL. However, a number of therapists throughout the world use this technique as an integral component of their practice. A limited number of papers including case studies and case series have documented a rapid reduction in pain and stiffness of other parts of the spine and the peripheral joints using Mulligan Concept. In the era of evidence based practice, there is urgent need to cross validate the claims made by the proponents of this technique. This study is an attempt to establish a scientific evidence to use NAGs for the benefit of the patients and future research. Participants: One hundred subjects (N=100) of age group 30 to 60 years, attending OPD of orthopedic department, suffering from cervical pain and stiffness, without radicular pain, diagnosed as having cervical Spondylosis. Those who met the predefined criteria were included in the sample with written informed consent. The sampling was incidental; subjects were randomly assigned to the four groups (n=25). Methods: Ethical approval was sought and obtained. It is a repeated measure design, with double blind controlled trials. Visual Analogue scale (VAS) score, Range of Motion (ROM), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and State-trait anxiety inventory (STAI) were the dependent measures. McGill Pain Questionnaire (MPQ) was used for the assessment and screening of the subjects for the study and to develop demographic data. All groups received hot packs for 12 minutes along with set of active exercises from day one to day twelve.