The immediate effects of manual stretching and cervicothoracic junction manipulation on cervical range of motion and upper trapezius pressure pain thresholds
Affiliations: [a] Department of Health Professions, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA | [b] Department of Physical Therapy, University of Nevada Las Vegas, NV, USA | [c] Department of Physical Therapy, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA | [d] Department of Health Management and Informatics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA | [e] Department of Kinesiology, California State University-Dominguez Hills, Carson, CA, USA
Correspondence:
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Corresponding author: William J. Hanney, Department of Health Professions, University of Central Florida, 12805 Pegasus Drive #262, Orlando, FL 32816-2205, USA. Tel.: +1 407 823 0217; Fax: +1 407 823 3464; E-mail: William.hanney@ucf.edu.
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: 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.
