Article

Nonspecific cervical pain is a
common clinical presentation. The role of upper limb neurodynamic tests (ULNT),
for evaluation and treatment intervention, is not well defined for this
population. PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: This study's purpose was to determine if the
radial-biased (RB)-ULNT discriminates any response differences between
symptomatic subjects with a positive (+) RB-ULNT (n=36), symptomatic subjects
with a negative (-) RB-ULNT (n=24), and asymptomatic subjects (n=60). METHODS:
Sixty asymptomatic and 60 subjects presenting with nonspecific cervical and/or
unilateral upper extremity pain were compared using the RB-ULNT. Symptomatic
subjects were further divided in (+) and (-) RB-ULNT groups due to their response
to the RB-ULNT. Within the symptomatic population, a positive response to the
RB-ULNT was defined by the symptomatic subject reporting their sensations were
increased with contralateral cervical lateral flexion and decreased with
ipsilateral cervical lateral flexion. Sensation provocation and location were
evaluated using the RB-ULNT in all the subjects during each stage of the testing.
RESULTS: Significant differences on stage of reproduction and type of sensations
were identified between 1) the (+) RB-ULNT symptomatic subjects, 2) the (-)
RB-ULNT symptomatic subjects, and 3) the asymptomatic subjects. The (+) RB-ULNT
group showed significantly increased pain responses during the first stage of the
RB-ULNT compared with the (-) RB-ULNT group and the asymptomatic subjects. The
(+) RB-ULNT also showed significantly decreased glenohumeral abduction passive
range of motion when compared with the asymptomatic group. CONCLUSION:
Clinically, the differences found between the groups in their response to the
RB-ULNT suggest heightened mechanosensitivity in the (+) RB-ULNT group. LEVEL OF
EVIDENCE: 3a.

Langue : ANGLAIS