Comparative Effectiveness of Neural Mobilization Versus Positional Release Technique in Cervical Radiculopathy – An Experimental Study
Authors
Namrata Suryavanshi
Student Researcher, MPT Musculoskeletal Disorders, Department of Physiotherapy, Dolphin (PG) Institute of Biomedical and Natural Sciences, Dehradun (IN)
Dr. Deepak Yadav
Guide, Heart-Lungs Transplant Physiotherapist, MPT Cardiopulmonary, Assistant Professor, Department of Physiotherapy, Dolphin (PG) Institute of Biomedical and Natural Sciences, Dehradun (IN)
Dr. Asma Parveen
Co-Guide, Cardiopulmonary Physiotherapist, Batra Hospital, New Delhi (IN)
Article Information
DOI: 10.51583/IJLTEMAS.2026.150400003
Subject Category: Mobilization
Volume/Issue: 15/4 | Page No: 23-28
Publication Timeline
Submitted: 2026-04-27
Published: 2026-04-27
Abstract
Background: Cervical radiculopathy is a common condition characterized by nerve root compression, leading to pain, disability, and functional limitations. Physiotherapy interventions such as Neural Mobilization (NM) and Positional Release Technique (PRT) are widely used; however, evidence comparing their combined effectiveness is limited.
Objective: To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of NM, PRT, and their combined application (NM + PRT) in individuals with cervical radiculopathy.
Methods: Forty-five participants were randomly allocated into three groups (n = 15 each): NM, PRT, and combined NM + PRT. Interventions were administered, and outcomes were assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and hand grip strength. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and Kruskal–Wallis test with significance set at p ≤ 0.05.
Results: All groups showed significant improvements in pain and disability. The combined NM + PRT group demonstrated the greatest reduction in NPRS (6.93 ± 1.62) and improvement in NDI (13.87 ± 8.55), indicating superior effectiveness. Grip strength improved in all groups; however, no statistically significant difference was observed between them (p > 0.05).
Conclusion: Both NM and PRT are effective in managing cervical radiculopathy, but their combined application provides superior outcomes in reducing pain and improving functional disability. This combined approach can be considered a safe and effective non-invasive treatment option.
Keywords
Cervical radiculopathy, neural mobilization, positional release technique, neck disability, pain, physiotherapy
Downloads
References
1. Rafiq S, Zafar H, Gillani SA, Waqas 8. MS, Zia A, Liaqat S, et al. Effectiveness of neural mobilization on pain, range of motion, and disability in cervical radiculopathy: [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
2. 9. A randomized controlled trial. 2021. Iyer S, Kim HJ. Cervical radiculopathy. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2016;9(3):272–280. doi:10.1007/s12178-016-9349-4 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
3. Sambyal S. Comparison between nerve mobilization and conventional physiotherapy in patients with cervical radiculopathy. IJC. 2013. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
4. Wainner RS, Fritz JM, Irrgang JJ, Boninger ML, Delitto A, Allison S. Reliability and diagnostic accuracy of the clinical examination and patient self-report measures for cervical radiculopathy. Spine (Phila Pa 1976). 2003;28(1):52–62. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
5. Waldrop MA. Diagnosis and treatment of cervical radiculopathy using a clinical prediction rule and a multimodal intervention approach: A case series. 2006. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
6. Wei X, Wang S, Li J, Gao J, Yu J, Feng M, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine for the management of cervical radiculopathy: An overview of systematic reviews. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
7. Childs JD, Cleland JA, Elliott JM, Teyhen DS, Wainner RS, Whitman JM, et al. Neck pain: Clinical practice guidelines linked to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2008;38(9):A1–A34. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
8. Shacklock M. Clinical neurodynamics: A new system of musculoskeletal treatment. Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann; 2005. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
9. D’Ambrogio KJ, Roth GB. Positional release therapy: Assessment and treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction. Mosby; 1997. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]
Metrics
Views & Downloads
Similar Articles
- Performance Analysis of Silicon PV Array Using Infrared Thermography and Detecting Temperature Non-Uniformities
- Dynamic Capabilities and Digital Transformation Performance: The Role of Organizational Agility in the Public Sector
- Soil Moisture Mapping of Solano Nueva Vizcaya: A Comparison and Review
- Silent Assistance for Emergencies (SAFE): A Mobile-Based Emergency Reporting Application for the Deaf and Mute Community
- Clean Energy Transition and Rural Health: Assessing the Impact of Solar Energy on Indoor Air Pollution and Well-Being in Khandwa District, M.P