Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Basic Science

Background and objective: Cervical radiculopathy (CR) is considered as a common neuromusculoskeletal disorder which causes pain and functional disabilities affecting both productivity and quality of life. Spinal mobilization with arm movements(SMWAMs) is one of Mulligan's techniques applied when the peripheral pain is thought to be originated from the spine. The purpose of the study: to investigate the neurophysiological and mechanical effects of SMWAMs in cervical radiculopathy. Methodology: Forty patients of both genders with chronic unilateral CR participated in the study. They were assigned randomly into two groups. Group A (experimental group): received SMWAMs in addition to a traditional physical therapy program (included hot packs, myofascial release, active cervical range of motion exercise, stretching and strengthening exercise for neck muscles).Group B (control group): received the traditional physical therapy program. All participants received 12 sessions, 3 sessions / week, for 4 successive weeks. Outcome measures included dermatomal somatosensory evoked potential (DSSEP) for the affected level by electromyographic apparatus, pain intensity level by using visual analogue scale score (VAS), cervical mobility and proprioception by using the cervical range of motion (CROM), and disability level by using neck disability index (NDI) were measured at base line and 4-weeks post intervention. Results: There was a statistical significant improvement in the experimental and control groups 4weeks post-treatment for peak-to-peak amplitude of DSSEP, pain level, and cervical ROM, proprioception and disability level (P<0.05)

Issued also as CD