Comparison of Effectiveness of Mulligan Mobilization Technique and Cervical Stabilization Training in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain: a Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of the current study was to compare the effectiveness of Mulligan mobilization technique (MMT) and cervical stabilization training (CST) in patients with chronic neck pain. Methods Thirty-six patients with chronic neck pain were randomly assigned to three groups as control, MMT, and CST groups. In the current study, pain intensity, range of motion (ROM), proprioception, head posture, deep neck flexor (DNF) muscle endurance, disability level, and neck awareness were evaluated as outcome measures. Results All variables showed statistically significant changes following treatment in all groups. MMT and CST were found to be more effective than home exercise regimen (control group) in pain intensity (p=0.001), DNF muscle endurance (p=0.0001), and disability level (p=0.007) but they were not superior to each other. MMT was found to be more effective in increasing ROM (p=0.0001) and neck awareness (p=0.018). Also, CST was found to be more effective in improving head posture (p=0.0001) and proprioception (p=0.001). Conclusion The study indicated MMT was more effective in increasing ROM and neck awareness, and the CST was more effective in improving head posture and proprioception. Comprehensive perspective can be acquired for health professionals in this field to select the appropriate rehabilitation approaches for patients with chronic neck pain thanks to our results.