Local and Widespread Hypoalgesic Effects of Neurodynamic Mobilization in Healthy Controls

Local and Widespread Hypoalgesic Effects of Neurodynamic Mobilization in Healthy Controls

Background & Significance Pain is the primary reason many patients seek care from healthcare professionals who utilize various manual therapy techniques. Gaining further understanding of the hypoalgesic properties of such techniques can enable practitioners to more skillfully integrate them in managing patients presenting with pain. Previous research has revealed that various manual techniques result in both local and widespread hypoalgesic changes in asymptomatic controls and patients in pain. Much of this previous research has investigated thrust manipulation; however, there is a paucity of similar research investigating these effects in neurodynamic mobilization.

Specific Aims Aim: To assess for immediate local and widespread hypoalgesic effects of neurodynamic mobilization applied to the upper extremity.

Hypotheses:

• Subjects who receive neurodynamic mobilizations will exhibit greater positive changes in local and widespread Qualitative Sensory Testing (QST) measures compared to those who receive a sham mobilization.
• Subjects who receive neurodynamic mobilizations will exhibit greater positive changes in elbow ROM and reported sensation intensity with upper limb neurodyndamic testing as compared to those who receive a sham mobilization.

Aim: To assess for differences in immediate local and widespread hypoalgesic effects of sliding vs tensioning neurodynamic mobilization techniques applied to the upper extremity

Hypotheses:

• Subjects who receive sliding neurodynamic mobilizations will exhibit greater positive changes in local and widespread QST measures compared to those who receive tensioning neurodynamic mobilization
• Subjects who receive sliding neurodynamic mobilizations will exhibit greater positive changes in elbow range of motion (ROM) and reported sensation intensity with upper limb neurodynamic testing testing compared to those who receive a tensioning neurodynamic mobilization

See protocol uploaded in documents section

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age: 18-65
• Ability to speak and comprehend English.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Current neck or upper extremity symptoms
• Disorders that could result in impaired sensation - such as diabetes.
• Current use of prescription pain medication or other medications that could result in altered pain perception - such as anti-anxiety medications or anti-depressants.
• History of any chronic painful condition
• Diagnosis of any major psychiatric disorder
• Current pregnancy
• Any painful condition within the past 3 months for which care was sought