Effects of Thoracic Mobility Versus Stretching Exercise Program in Patients of Cervical Radiculopathy
Condition: Cervical Radiculopathy
MeSH terms: Radiculopathy
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The study will be a randomized clinical trial with a sample size of 44 to determine the
      effects of thoracic mobility versus thoracic stretching exercises on pain, range of motion,
      and function in patients with cervical radiculopathy. Subjects will be enrolled according to
      inclusion-exclusion criteria. Patients will be divided into two groups, each with 22
      patients. Group A will receive thoracic mobility exercises along with conventional physical
      therapy while group B will receive thoracic stretching exercises along with the conventional
      physical therapy protocol. The conventional physical therapy protocol will include a hot
      pack, neck Traction, and stretches. The session will be around 30 to 45 min for each patient
      with three sessions per week on alternate days. A total of Three weeks of treatment regime
      will be given to the patients and an assessment of patient's pain, range of motion, and
      function with the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), goniometry and Neck Disability Index
      (NDI) will be done at the baseline, after the completion of treatment at three weeks and
      after six weeks to observe the long-term effects. will be analyzed by using SPSS version 25
    

Detailed description: 
      Cervical radiculopathy is characterized by neurological dysfunction caused by compression and
      inflammation of the spinal nerves or nerve roots of the cervical spine. The incidence and
      prevalence rate of cervical radiculopathy are unclear, and epidemiological data are limited.

      Depending on the segments involved and the severity of neurological dysfunction, various
      signs and symptoms of cervical radiculopathy may manifest as neck and unilateral arm pain
      with numbness, weakness, or altered reflexes. Cervical spine radiculopathy is a disabling
      condition that has significant negative impacts on a person's mental health, physical
      functioning and social participation. It is a complex presentation, associated with increased
      dependence on healthcare systems, and poses a substantial challenge for clinicians and
      patients as it does not always respond to conventional therapies Symptoms of cervical
      radiculopathy may include neck and upper limb pain as well as neurological signs such as
      muscle weakness, disturbed sensation, and decreased reflex.

      Patients with cervical radiculopathy demonstrated characteristics of sensory changes such as
      hypoesthesia (mechanical, thermal, and vibratory) and cold and pressure pain
      hypersensitivity. Conservative treatment, particularly physical therapy, is generally
      recommended as initial treatment for patients with cervical radiculopathy. It is found that
      vertebral mobilization and manipulation of the cervical spine were effective in improving
      pain, neck movement, and function in patients with cervical radiculopathy.
    

Intervention name(s): Thoracic mobility exercises with conventional physical therapy for cervical radiculopathy; Thoracic stretching exercises with conventional physical therapy for cervical radiculopathy
Intervention type(s): Other; Other
Intervention description(s): Thoracic mobility exercises These techniques include mobilization, manipulation and glides to check and treat the joints. Here, these techniques will be used to mobilize the thoracic spine. In this treatment mobility exercises (Unilateral posterior anterior, Central posterior anterior and transverse glides) + hot pack (10 min) + neck stretching (neck flexors, extensors, side benders) + cervical Traction will be given to patient. A total session time will be 45 min and thrice a week on alternate days for three weeks.; Thoracic stretching exercises Thoracic stretching exercises. Thoracic stretching exercises are used to correct the musculature of thoracic region. In this treatment group stretching exercises (passive stretches and therapist facilitated exercises) +hot pack (10 min) +neck stretching (neck flexors, extensors, side benders) + tractions will be given to patient. A total of 45 min session thrice a week on alternate days for three weeks will be given. Only the eligible patients who fulfil the inclusion criteria will be included in the study.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Single (Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Cervical radiculopathy; Thoracic spine; Thoracic mobilization; Stretching exercise