Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Articles
PubMed Identifier
28505955
The Immediate Effects Of Manual Stretching and Cervicothoracic Junction Manipulation on Cervical Range Of Motion and Upper Trapezius Pressure Pain Thresholds
Publication Title
Journal of Back & Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation
Publisher
IOS Press
ISSN
1053-8127
Publication Date
9-22-2017
Keywords
Algometry, pressure pain threshold, spinal manipulation, stretching
Abstract
Myofascial pain is a common impairment treated with various manual interventions including spinal thrust manipulation and stretching; however, the comparative efficacy of each intervention is uncertain. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate thrust manipulation targeting the cervicothoracic junction compared to a manual stretch of the upper trapezius muscle on cervical range of motion and upper trapezius pressure pain thresholds (PPTs). METHODS: Healthy participants with no significant history of neck pain were randomized into a thrust manipulation group, a stretching group, or a control group. Within group differences were evaluated via a dependent t-test, and group by time interactions were evaluated by a two-way repeated measures ANOVA. RESULTS: One hundred and two participants were recruited to participate. Baseline demographics revealed no significant differences between groups. Significant group by time interactions were found for changes in PPTs for both the right and left upper trapezius. Also, significant differences were found for changes in cervical extension, as well as right and left cervical side bending favoring the treatment groups. DISCUSSION: This study demonstrates the potential independent effectiveness of spinal thrust manipulation or stretching for reducing PPTs at the upper trapezius. Future research should further evaluate the limitation of PPTs as a measure of muscle sensitivity as well as factors that may contribute to variability in the measurements among individuals seeking care.
Volume
30
Issue
5
First Page
1005
Last Page
1013
Disciplines
Medicine and Health Sciences | Physical Therapy | Rehabilitation and Therapy
NSUWorks Citation
Hanney, William J.; Puentedura, Emilio J.; Kolber, Morey J.; Liu, Xinliang; Pabian, Patrick S.; and Cheatham, Scott William, "The Immediate Effects Of Manual Stretching and Cervicothoracic Junction Manipulation on Cervical Range Of Motion and Upper Trapezius Pressure Pain Thresholds" (2017). Department of Physical Therapy Faculty Articles. 197.
https://nsuworks.nova.edu/hpd_pt_facarticles/197
