Analysis of a Manual Technique for Cervical Rotation using a Small Three Dimensional Strain Meter

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the relationship between three dimensional mobilization force and neck rotation by mobilization with movement techniques according to Mulligan’s concepts. Subjects: Twenty-six healthy asymptomatic adults (24 males and 2 females: mean age of 26, ranging from 23 to 35 years old) participated. Method: Cervical rotations were measured with a tape measure. The participants were divided into a SNAGS intervention group and an anti-SNAGS (group in which the mobilizing vector was against cervical rotation in the facet joint plane). We compared the cervical rotations before and after the interventions in the two groups. Results: There was a statistically significant improvement of cervical rotation only in the SNAGS group after the SNAGS. The applied force between the SNAGS and the anti-SNAGS groups was not significantly different, however, cephalic-caudal component forces were in the opposite directions in the SNAGS and the anti-SNAGS group. Conclusion: The results suggest that mobilization force should be applied according to the understanding of joint kinesiology.