Transverse oscillatory pressure in management of cervical radiculopathy: A randomised controlled study

• Main Authors: Adesola O. Ojoawo, PhD, Ayo Olabode, BMRPT, Oluwadamilare Esan, FWACS, Abiodun Badru, MSc, Sunday Odejide, MSc, Bose Arilewola, MSc
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: World Scientific Publishing 2016-06-01
• Series: Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal
• Subjects: cervical radiculopathy; neck disability; pain intensity; transverse oscillatory pressure; visual analogue scale
• Online Access: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1013702515000627

Background: Cervical radiculopathy is an important subgroup of neck disorders causing severe pain and disability. Objectives: The study assessed the effect of transverse oscillatory pressure (TOP) on pain intensity and functional disability of patients with cervical radiculopathy. Methods: Twenty-six individuals with unilateral radiating neck pain were randomly allocated into Group A (8 males and 5 females) and Group B (6 males and 7 females). Participants in the two groups received kneading massage, cryotherapy, and active isometric exercises to the posterior paraspinal muscles, trapezuis, and sternomastoid muscles. TOP was administered to Group A, whereas Group B served as control. Treatment was applied three times per week for 4 weeks, making 12 treatment sessions for each participant. Visual analogue scale and Neck Disability Index were used to assess pain intensity and neck disability, respectively, at baseline, 2 weeks, and 4 weeks. Data were analysed using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results: There was a significant improvement in pain intensity and neck functional disability of patients between baseline, 2nd week, and 4th week of treatment sessions in Groups A and B (p < 0.05). There was a significant reduction in pain intensity in Group A (f = 7.08, p < 0.05) at the 2nd week and 4th week compared with Group B. Conclusion: It can be concluded that TOP reduces pain faster in patients with cervical radiculopathy.