Immediate Effects of Cervical and Thoracic Joint Mobilization on Cervical Range of Motion, Pain, and Disability in Adults with Asymmetrical Cervical Rotation and Discomfort

• Published in: Journal of International Academy of Physical Therapy Research Vol. 16; no. 1; pp. 3450 - 3458
• Main Authors: Jang, Yusung, Lee, Muryeol, Kim, Bokyung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 국제물리치료연구학회 31.03.2025
• Subjects: 물리치료학; Joint mobilization; Thoracic spine; Cervical spine; Asymmetrical rotation
• ISSN: 2092-8475; 2714-0148
• DOI: 10.20540/JIAPTR.2025.16.1.3450

Background: Neck discomfort and movement limitations are common musculoskeletal problems among modern people. While cervical and thoracic joint mobilization are widely used interventions for cervical dysfunction, research comparing their immediate effectiveness in adults with asymmetrical cervical rotation is limited. Objectives: To compare the immediate effects of cervical versus thoracic joint mobilization in adults with adults with asymmetrical cervical rotation and discomfort. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Thirty adults with left-right differences in cervical rotation of more than 5 degrees were randomly assigned to a cervical mobilization group (CMG, n=15) or thoracic mobilization group (TMG, n=15). Both groups received Grade III mobilization for 15 minutes. Range of motion (ROM), pain (VAS), and neck disability index (NDI) were measured before and after intervention. Results: Both groups showed significant increases in ROM after intervention (P<.001). Within-group analysis revealed that the TMG showed significant pain reduction (P<.01) and significant reduction in left-right rotation asymmetry (P<.001), while the CMG showed improvement in ROM but no significant changes in asymmetry or pain (P>.05). Neither group showed significant changes in NDI. Between-group comparisons showed no significant differences in any outcome measures. Conclusion: Both cervical and thoracic joint mobilization increased cervical range of motion in adults with asymmetrical cervical rotation discomfort. The TMG demonstrated significant within-group improvements in left-right rotation asymmetry and pain reduction, suggesting potential clinical benefits of thoracic mobilization for certain aspects of cervical dysfunction.