Effects of upper thoracic Mulligan mobilization on pain, range of motion and function in patients with mechanical neck pain: A randomized placebo-controlled trial.

研究概要

Sixty-nine patients with mechanical neck pain were randomized to sham mobilization + physiotherapy (n=23), physiotherapy alone (n=23), or Mulligan RNAGS (upper thoracic) + physiotherapy (n=23). The primary outcome of interest was disability (Neck Disability Index), with pain (VAS) and cervical ROM as secondary outcomes; outcomes were assessed at baseline and immediately after the 11th session over 2 weeks. Overall, the results revealed that all groups improved, but the Mulligan group had greater reductions in pain and disability and larger ROM gains than both sham and physiotherapy. In short, adding upper thoracic Mulligan RNAGS to usual physiotherapy yielded superior short-term improvements in pain, function, and motion.