Background To assess the effectiveness of Kaltenborn-Evjenth Orthopedic Manual Therapy (KEOMT) applied to cervical-only mobilization versus both lumbar and cervical regions on pain intensity and range of motion (ROM) in individuals with cervical disc herniation, Methods: Thirty three participants were enrolled in the study. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups. Group A received cervical-only KEOMT while Group B received combined lumbar and cervical KEOMT, Interventions were administered three times a week for four weeks. Pain was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), ROM was assessed for flexion and lateral flexion, and Neck Pain and Disability Index (NPDI) and Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) were used for evaluation.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
33
Kaltenborn's biomechanical approach to diagnosis and treatment emphasizes ergonomic principles and trial-based techniques. His mobilization methods, classified into Grades I-III, target pain relief (Grades I-II) and joint hypomobility (Grade III) by enhancing glide and tissue elasticity. The Kaltenborn-Evjenth Orthopedic Manual Therapy (KEOMT) further refines this approach using arthrokinematic principles to restore physiological joint motion based on the concave-convex rule.
Fenerbahçe University Faculty of Health Sciences Physiotherapy Department
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye)
Visuel Analog Scale
Pain intensity was evaluated with a visual analog scale (VAS). A 10 cm visual scale was divided into equal segments and numbered from 0 to 10. Patients were instructed that 0 represents no pain, while 10 indicates unbearable pain. Based on this explanation, they were asked to rate their pain intensity accordingly
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
Range of motion
A universal goniometer was used to measure joint position and range of motion, following the guidelines of Kendall and the American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons. The assessment was conducted with the patient in a sitting position. Patients were instructed to actively perform movements of cervical flexion, extension, right and left rotation, and right and left lateral flexion, with the corresponding degrees of motion recorded.
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
Neck Pain and Disability Assessment
Neck pain and disability were evaluated using the Neck Pain Disability Index (NPDI), a validated tool developed by Vernon and Mior (1991). The index comprises 20 items scored on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), assessing the impact of neck pain on daily activities, occupational performance, and emotional well-being. Scores range from 0 (no disability) to 100 (complete disability), with higher scores indicating greater functional limitations. This study employed the Turkish version of the NPDI, which has demonstrated reliability
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
Quality of life scale
The participants' quality of life was assessed using the Short Form 36 (SF-36), a self-reported scale developed by the Rand Corporation in 1992. The SF-36 evaluates general health status through 36 questions, divided into 8 subscales: physical function, physical role limitations, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social function, emotional well-being, and mental health. Scores on the SF-36 range from 0 to 100, with 0 representing the worst health status and 100 representing the best. The Turkish version of the scale was used in this study
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 1 year
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