Immediate effects of the central posteroanterior mobilization technique on pain and range of motion in patients with mechanical neck pain.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the immediate effects of the central posteroanterior (PA) mobilization technique on both pain and active cervical range of motion in patients with mechanical neck pain presenting with central or bilateral symptoms.


METHODS
A randomized controlled trial was conducted in 60 patients who were randomly allocated into either 'central PA' or 'random' mobilization group. Two physical therapists and one assessor participated. Outcome measures included neck pain at rest, pain on the most painful movement, and active cervical range of motion taken before and immediately 5 min after the mobilization treatment.


RESULTS
Significant reductions in pain at rest and on the most painful movement were noted within-group comparisons (p < 0.001). However, the 'central PA' mobilization group obtained a significantly greater reduction in pain on the most painful movement than the 'random' mobilization group (p < 0.05). Both mobilization techniques had no effects on the active cervical range of motion. However, the differences in the means of pain reduction between both mobilization techniques were modest (<10 mm).


CONCLUSIONS
The clinical recommendation regarding the selection of the central PA mobilization technique for treating patients with central or bilateral mechanical neck pain is therefore arguably.
Kanlayanaphotporn
Rotsalai
R
Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy, Chulalongkorn University, 154 Rama 1 Road, Soi Chula 12, Bangkok, 10330 Thailand. rotsalai.k@chula.ac.th
Chiradejnant
Adit
A
Vachalathiti
Roongtiwa
R
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026201:Musculoskeletal Manipulations / Q000379:methods*; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D013785:Thailand