COMPARISON OF THE EFFECTS OF MULLIGAN MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUE COMBINED WITH CERVICAL STABILIZATION EXERCISES WITH THE EFFECTS OF CERVICAL STABILIZATION EXERCISES ALONE IN CHRONIC NECK PAIN: RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED STUDY

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study was to compare the effects of Mulligan mobilization techniques applied in addition to cervical stabilization exercises on pain intensity, range of motion (ROM), cervical muscle endurance, pressure pain threshold (PPT), and quality of life compared to cervical stabilization exercises alone in individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP). Method: Forty individuals with CNP were included in the study and randomly divided into two groups: the cervical stabilization group (SG, n=20) and the cervical stabilization-Mulligan mobilization group (SMG, n=20). The SG group only received cervical stabilization exercises for four weeks, while the SMG received Mulligan mobilization techniques for four weeks in addition to cervical stabilization exercises. Before and after the treatment programs, the subjects were evaluated in terms of pain intensity (visual analogue scale), ROM (goniometric measurement), cervical muscle endurance (endurance tests), PPT (algometric measurement), and quality of life (Short Form-36, SF-36). Results: Significant improvements were found in all parameters in both groups after the treatment programs (p<0.05). In addition, there were more improvements in ROM, PPT, and SF-36 scores in SMG compared to SG (p<0.05). Conclusion: The application of cervical stabilization exercises in CNP may improve pain intensity, ROM, cervical muscle endurance, PPT, and quality of life. However, it can be said that Mulligan mobilization techniques applied in addition to cervical stabilization exercises are more effective in improving ROM, PPT, and quality of life compared to cervical stabilization exercises alone in individuals with CNP.