Immediate effects on cervical mobility and spiratory flow, after bilateral manipulation of first rib, in non-specific chronic neck pain: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Numerous publications have showed the biomechanical influence of thoracic spine on cervical spine. Recently, some authors have pointed out the role of other physiological systems in this relationship, what have been calle interdependence regional model. It has been studies that interventions applied over thoracic spine have a neurophysiological influence on cervical spine and respiratory system. Our study evaluates the influence of bilateral manipulative technique of first rib on pain and pulmonary function in subjects with chronic non-specific neck pain.Methods: The immediate changes produced by bilateral direct manipulation (HVLA) of first rib in subjects with non-specific chronic neck pain will be studied. The sample will be randomly divided into two groups, experimental and placebo. As dependent variables of the study, we will measure the peak expiratory flow and cervical rom. Findings will be analyzed statistically considering a 5% significance level (p ≤ 0.05)Discussion: Our study aims to provide knowledge about the influence of bilateral manipulative technique of first rib in pain and pulmonary capacity in subjects with non-specific chronic neck pain. The efficacy of this technique may entail an easy access and low cost strategy in patients with pain and a reduction in pulmonary function. Trial registration Brazilian Clinical Trial Registry, RBR-4dsvfy. Registered on 17 March 2020.