Use the Back button in your browser to see the other results of your search or to select another record.

Detailed Search Results

The effectiveness of neural mobilization for neuro-musculoskeletal conditions: a systematic review and meta-analysis [with consumer summary]
Basson A, Olivier B, Ellis R, Coppieters M, Stewart A, Mudzi W
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy 2017;47(9):593-615
systematic review

STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. BACKGROUND: Neural mobilization (NM) or neurodynamics is a movement-based intervention aimed at restoring the homeostasis in and around the nervous system. The current level of evidence for NM is largely unknown. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of NM for musculoskeletal conditions with a neuropathic component. METHODS: Databases were searched for randomised trials investigating the effect of NM for neuro-musculoskeletal conditions. Standard methods for article identification, selection and quality appraisal were used. Where possible, studies were pooled for meta-analysis. Primary outcomes were pain, disability and function. RESULTS: Forty studies were included in this review, of which 17 had a low risk of bias. Meta-analyses could only be performed on self-reported outcomes. For chronic low back pain, disability (Oswestry (0 to 50) mean difference -9.26; 95%CI -14.50 to -4.01; p = 0.0001) and pain (intensity (0 to 10) mean difference -1.78; 95%CI -2.55 to -1.01; p = 0.0001) improved following NM. For chronic neck-arm pain, pain improved (intensity (0 to 10) mean difference -1.89; 95%CI -3.14 to -0.64; p = 0.0003) following NM. For carpal tunnel syndrome, NM was not effective for most clinical outcomes (p > 0.11), but showed positive neurophysiological effects (eg, reduced intraneural oedema). Due to a scarcity of studies or conflicting results, the effect of NM remains uncertain for various conditions, such as post-operative low back pain, cubital tunnel syndrome and lateral epicondylalgia. CONCLUSION: This review reveals benefits of NM for back and neck pain, but the effect of NM for other conditions remains unclear. Due to the limited evidence and varying methodological quality, conclusions may change over time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 1.

Full text (sometimes free) may be available at these link(s):      help