Effect of Median Nerve Mobilization on Pain and Handgrip Strength in Cervical Radiculopathy Patients

Cervical radiculopathy, a nerve root disorder can be a debilitating disease causing significant impairment with complaints of neck pain radiating to upper limb, paraesthesia, weakness and altered hand functions. Upper Limb Tension Test can be used to assess and to mobilize the entrapped nerve as it is both diagnostic and therapeutic. Hence this study was conducted to determine the effect of median nerve mobilization on pain and handgrip strength in cervical radiculopathy patients. 40 patients with cervical radiculopathy were allocated into 2 groups - Group A (control group) which received conventional treatment (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and strengthening exercises) and Group B (experimental group) which received median nerve mobilization along with conventional treatment for 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Pre-intervention (day 1) and post-intervention (end of 4th week) assessment was taken for pain by Visual Analogue Scale and handgrip strength by handheld dynamometer for both groups. Results showed that both groups had statistically significant improvement in pain and handgrip strength post treatment with p < 0.05. Between group analysis revealed that experimental group showed more improvement post treatment as compared to control group with p <0.0001. Hence, current study concludes that Median nerve mobilization along with conventional treatment was more effective than conventional treatment alone in reducing pain and improving grip strength in cervical radiculopathy. Key words: Cervical radiculopathy, median nerve mobilization, Upper Limb Tension Test, handgrip strength, visual analogue scale.