Mulligan Technique for Chronic Neck Pain in Adults

Prof. Mosab Saleem Hamed Amoudi76 enrolled

Overview

This study aims to evaluate the effect of the Mulligan Technique, a manual therapy method, on reducing chronic neck pain and improving neck movement in adults aged 18 to 65 years. Participants will receive treatment sessions, and their pain levels and range of motion will be assessed. The goal is to determine if this technique can help improve quality of life for people suffering from chronic neck pain.

Seventy-six participants with chronic neck pain, aged between 18 and 65 years, were selected on the basis of selection criteria. The pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the cervical range of motion (ROM) was measured using the universal goniometer, and the functional disability was measured using the Neck Disability Index (NDI). Patients were randomly assigned to two Groups A and B. Control group (A) (n = 32) received a conventional physical therapy program that included exercises, electrical stimulation, and massage. The experimental group (B) (n=38) received the same conventional program, with the addition of the Mulligan technique. Six participants were excluded from the study. Both groups underwent treatment 3 times per week for 4 weeks, and measurements were taken before and after the treatment period. For data entry and statistical analysis, (SPSS version 20) was used. The independent samples t-test was capture summarize and interpret data and 95 percent of the confidence interval is covered.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Enrollment

Conditions

Chronic Neck Pain

Interventions

Conventional program, with addition to Mulligan techniqueOTHER

The Mulligan Concept is a manual therapy approach developed by New Zealand physiotherapist Brian Mulligan in the 1980s. It includes techniques such as Mobilization with Movement (MWM) and the Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide (SNAG), which have attracted significant attention for their effectiveness in treating neck pain. Recent research has supported the benefits of physiotherapy interventions like SNAGs in improving cervical range of motion (ROM) and reducing pain.

Conventional Physical Therapy ProgramOTHER

Included exercises, electrical stimulation, and massage.

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 65 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Age between 18-65 years. * Chronic mechanical neck pain (≥ 3 months). * Limited cervical range of motion (ROM). * Medically diagnosed with non-specific neck pain. * Able to attend treatment sessions. Exclusion Criteria: * Radiating pain to the upper limb. * Signs of nerve root compression or disc herniation. * History of cervical spine surgery or major trauma. * Inflammatory joint diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis). * Osteoporosis or systemic medical conditions affecting bone/joint health. * Fibromyalgia or central nervous system disorders. * Contraindications to manual therapy (e.g., pacemaker, vascular disorders). * Recent physical therapy or steroid injections (within past 3-12 months). * Long-term use of corticosteroids or pain medications. * Pregnancy.

Locations (1)

PhysioFlex - Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Center-Nablus

Nablus, Nablus, Palestinian Territories

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change from baseline in pain intensity measured by Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

Pain intensity will be measured using a 0-10 Visual Analog Scale at baseline and post-intervention. The change in pain scores will be reported.

Time frame: Before treatment (baseline) and 4 weeks (end of treatment)

Secondary Outcomes

Change from baseline in cervical range of motion (ROM) measured by goniometer (degrees)

Cervical ROM will be measured in degrees using a goniometer at baseline and post-intervention. The difference between baseline and post-treatment ROM will be reported.

Time frame: Before treatment (baseline) and 4 weeks (end of treatment)

Change from baseline in neck-related disability measured by the Neck Disability Index (NDI)

Neck-related disability will be assessed using the Neck Disability Index (NDI), a self-reported questionnaire consisting of 10 items scored on a 0-5 scale. The total score ranges from 0 to 50, with higher scores indicating greater disability. The NDI will be administered at baseline and after the intervention. The change in total NDI score from baseline to post-intervention will be reported.

Time frame: Before treatment (baseline) and 4 weeks (end of treatment)

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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