Effect of median nerve mobilization and median nerve self-mobilization on median motor nerve conduction velocity

Abstract

[Purpose] This study examined the difference in nerve conduction velocity (NCV) between two groups: in one group, a physical therapist performed median nerve mobilization (MNM) for the subjects of one group, and in the other group, the subjects received training and practice MNM for themselves. Based on the results, the therapeutic basis of MNM was examined, and the usefulness of self-MNM education was tested. [Subjects] Twenty healthy female college students without symptoms or signs of peripheral neuropathy were the subjects. [Method] The subjects of both groups received a median motor nerve conduction study before and after MNM. While keeping the elbow joint and wrist joint extended, MNM was maintained for 15 seconds, followed by a 10 second break. This was repeated three times. [Results] In the wrist-elbow section, NCV increased in the MNM group but did not significantly change in the self-MNM group. NCV rose in the MNM group but fell in the self-MNM group. For the elbow-axilla section, NCV increased in the MNM group but did not significantly change in the self-MNM group. NCV rose in the MNM group but fell in the self-MNM group. [Conclusion] The analysis of the results showed that a physical therapist's application of MNM was more effective than self-MNM at increasing nerve conduction velocity.