The Effects of Scapular Mobilisation on Upper Limb Neurodynamic Test 1: A Randomised, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Study

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to examine acute effects of scapular mobilisation on upper limb neurodynamic test 1 (ULNT1) in asymptomatic adults. Methods: This study was a crossover randomised controlled trial. 12 young healthy individuals (10 men and two women, age 21.1 ± 0.3 years, body mass index 20.4 ± 1.9) were recruited. At two separate sessions, participants received randomly assigned interventions; scapular mobilisation or placebo intervention. Range of motion in elbow extension and pain during ULNT1 were assessed before and after each intervention. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in ULNT1 only after scapular mobilisation (p < 0.05). No significant change in pain level was identified in the two groups. The scapular mobilisation group displayed large or moderate effect sizes to improve ULNT1 and pain, whereas effect sizes of placebo intervention were small. Conclusions: Large-amplitude end-range scapular mobilisation significantly improved ULNT1 in asymptomatic participants. Scapular mobilisation might be able to affect mechanosensitivity of the nervous system. Further research is required to test its effects among symptomatic patients with nerve-related neck and arm pain.