The Journal of Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (대한정형도수물리치료학회지)

Korean Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (대한정형도수물리치료학회)
권호 표지

The Effects of Muscle Energy Techniques Applied to Upper trapezius on Pain, Range of Motion and Muscle Performance in Patients with Cervical Radiculopathy

위 등세모근에 적용한 근육 에너지 기법이 목 신경뿌리병증 환자의 통증, 관절가동범위 및 근수행력에 미치는 영향

  • Jin-gi Hong (Dept. of Physical Therapy, Gangwon-do Wonju Medical Center) ;
  • Young-min Kim (Dept. of Physical Therapy, Korea National University of Transportation)
  • 홍진기 (강원도 원주의료원 물리치료실) ;
  • 김영민 (한국교통대학교 일반대학원 물리치료학과)
  • Received : 2023.11.30
  • Accepted : 2024.03.12
  • Published : 2024.04.30
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Abstract

Background: This study examined the effects of the muscle energy technique and cervical traction after applying conservative physical therapy to patients with cervical radiculopathy. Methods: Twenty-six patients with cervical radiculopathy were randomized into two groups: the experimental group (n=13) and the control group (n=13). The two groups performed the muscle energy technique and for 4 weeks, 3 times a week, in 70-minute sessions. Pain, range of motion, function, and muscle performance were assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), cervical range of motion (CROM) goniometer, neck disability index (NDI), and stabilizer pressure biofeedback, before and after training. Results: After four weeks of therapy, the VAS (p<.001), NDI (p<.01), and the maximum strength of the deep neck flexion muscles significantly decreased (p<.01) and CROM significantly increased in both groups (p<.05). Conclusion: The muscle energy technique and therapeutic modalities such as cervical traction are effective in reducing VAS and NDI and increasing CROM and muscle performance in patients with cervical radiculopathy.

Keywords

References

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