UPPER LIMB NEURODYNAMIC BILATERAL LEBIH MENURUNKAN SKOR NYERI DAN TENSION NERVUS MEDIANUS DIBANDINGKAN DENGAN UPPER LIMB NEURODYNAMIC IPSILATERAL PADA PENDERITA CERVICAL RADICULOPATHY

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical radiculopathy is a clinical condition in which compression of the nerve roots causes physiological changes in nerve tissue. Objective: To prove bilateral neurodynamic upper limb reduces pain, increases cervical range of motion (ROM), and elbow extension in patients with cervical radiculopathy when compared with ipsilateral neurodynamic. Method: This study was an experimental study with a pre and post-test control group design using 24 samples divided into 2 groups. In Group 1, ipsilateral upper limb neurodynamic was given while Group 2 was given bilateral upper limb neurodynamic. Interventions were given 12 times. Measurement of pain scores using the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) and cervical ROM using a goniometer while median nerve tension was measured by ROM of elbow extension. Results: Significant differences between the two groups were obtained in the measurement of pain scores with p = 0,000 (p <0,05) in the measurement of pain in neutral and during neurodynamic testing. A significant difference was also found in the elbow extension measurement with a p value = 0,000 (p <0,05). Not significant differences were found in cervical ROM measurements (extension, rotation, and lateral ipsilateral flexion) with p value = 0,377; 0,110; and 0,342 respectively (p> 0,05). Conclusion: bilateral upper limb neurodynamic is better in decreasing pain scores and median nerve tension compared with ipsilateral upper limb neurodynamic, but is not better in improving cervical ROM in patients with cervical radiculopathy.