Effects of Neural Mobilization on Pain Intensity, Disability, and Mechanosensitivity: An Umbrella Review With Meta-Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess the current evidence for the effects of neural mobilization (NM) treatments.

Methods: Three umbrella reviews with meta-meta-analyses were conducted to determine the effects of NM on pain intensity and disability in people with musculoskeletal disorders and on mechanosensitivity in participants who were asymptomatic. The study used the grading criteria proposed by the Physical Activity Guidelines Advisory Committee to assess the quality of evidence.

Results: One meta-meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant moderate effect on pain intensity (standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.75, 95% CI = -1.12 to -0.38) but with evidence of heterogeneity (Q = 14.13; I2 = 65%). The study found a significantly large effect of NM on disability (SMD = -1.22, 95% CI = -2.19 to -0.26), again with evidence of heterogeneity (Q = 31.57; I2 = 87%). The third meta-meta-analysis showed a statistically significant moderate effect of NM on mechanosensitivity (SMD = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.35 to 1.57), with no evidence of heterogeneity (Q = 2.73; I2 = 63%). For all examined outcomes, the quality of evidence was limited.

Conclusion: Overall, the results indicated that although NM treatment had a moderate to large beneficial clinical effect on pain intensity and disability in people with musculoskeletal disorders and on mechanosensitivity in individuals who were asymptomatic, the quality of evidence was limited.

Impact: Neural mobilization treatments showed positive results on the pain intensity and disability in individuals with musculoskeletal conditions. Neural mobilization could be integrated into the physical therapy management, although more research is needed.

Keywords: Disability; Mechanosensitivity; Musculoskeletal Disorders; Neural Mobilization; Neurodynamic Dysfunction; Pain Intensity.