Efficacy of median nerve mobilization versus upper trapezius muscle stretching on extensibility of median nerve in young healthy individuals: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of upper trapezius muscle stretching and median nerve mobilization on median nerve extensibility. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Participants: 80 healthy participants with mean age range () were randomized to two groups who received trapezius muscle stretching & median nerve mobilization. Outcome Measures: Right and left Elbow Extension Deficit Angle (EEDA) in degrees. Intervention: Passive stretching of upper trapezius was done 4 times per week, 3 repetitions, 30 sec hold bilaterally. Median nerve mobilization was done 4 times per week, 3 sets of 10 cycles each; 30 sec rest in between bilaterally. Supervised self stretching and nerve mobilization was done 3 times per week, with number of hold and repetitions being the same. Results: Baseline characteristics including demographic, anthropomorphic and EEDA between groups were comparable. Intragroup comparison of right and left Elbow Extension Deficit Angle (EEDA) were done using Repeated Measure Multivariate ANOVA. Inter group comparison was done using post hoc test Bonferroni. The level of significance was set at P < 0.05. Conclusion: The study concludes that Upper trapezius muscle stretching is effective in improving median nerve extensibility. Both treatment techniques are equally effective.