Year: 2024 | Month: April | Volume: 14 | Issue: 4 | Pages: 266-272
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20240438
Effect of Median Nerve Mobilization on Pain and Handgrip Strength in Cervical Radiculopathy Patients
Dr. Bhagyashree Salekar1, Dr. Shruti Mankar2, Divya Salekar3
1Assistant Professor, Department of Kinesiotherapy and Movement Sciences, 2Assistant Professor, Department of Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy, 3Certified Ergonomist
1Dr. D. Y. Patil College of Physiotherapy, Dr. D. Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Sant Tukaram Nagar, Pune, India.
2PES, Modern College of Physiotherapy, Shivajinagar, Pune, India.
3Medical Writing Intern, Klarity Health, United Kingdom.
Corresponding Author: Dr. Bhagyashree Salekar
ABSTRACT
Cervical radiculopathy, a nerve root disorder can be a debilitating disease causing significant impairment with complaints of neck pain radiating to upper limb, paraesthesia, weakness and altered hand functions. Upper Limb Tension Test can be used to assess and to mobilize the entrapped nerve as it is both diagnostic and therapeutic. Hence this study was conducted to determine the effect of median nerve mobilization on pain and handgrip strength in cervical radiculopathy patients. 40 patients with cervical radiculopathy were allocated into 2 groups - Group A (control group) which received conventional treatment (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and strengthening exercises) and Group B (experimental group) which received median nerve mobilization along with conventional treatment for 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Pre-intervention (day 1) and post-intervention (end of 4th week) assessment was taken for pain by Visual Analogue Scale and handgrip strength by handheld dynamometer for both groups. Results showed that both groups had statistically significant improvement in pain and handgrip strength post treatment with p < 0.05. Between group analysis revealed that experimental group showed more improvement post treatment as compared to control group with p <0.0001. Hence, current study concludes that Median nerve mobilization along with conventional treatment was more effective than conventional treatment alone in reducing pain and improving grip strength in cervical radiculopathy.
Key words: Cervical radiculopathy, median nerve mobilization, Upper Limb Tension Test, handgrip strength, visual analogue scale.