Date of Award
Spring 2012
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science Rehabilitation Science (MSc)
Department
Rehabilitation Science
Supervisor
Victoria Galea
Co-Supervisor
Linda Woodhouse
Language
English
Committee Member
Joy MacDermid, Anita Gross
Abstract
Neurodynamics refers to the mechanical and physiological components of
the nervous system and the interconnections between them (Shacklock, 1995).
This is a phase 1 pilot trial investigating the immediate effect of a neurodynamic
treatment as compared to a sham treatment in eight participants with low back
pain. Primary outcome measures included: H-reflex latency and nerve
conduction velocity. Secondary outcome measures included: the sitting slump
test and visual analog scale for pain following a neurodynamic treatment
compared to a sham treatment on eight participants with low back pain. T-tests
were used to analyze any differences between the groups at baseline and post-
intervention. No statistically significant differences were observed between the
groups at baseline. Statistically significant differences were noted post-
intervention between the treatment groups for H-reflex latency (t(5)=4.323,
p=0.008) and the unaffected leg sitting slump test (t(5)=3.402, p=0.019). The H-
reflex latency increased for the group following the neurodynamic treatment and
decreased following the sham treatment. This was not expected and is of
interest due to the possible mechanisms that may be underlying these
phenomena. Despite the small sample size used in this study, differences were
observed and displayed trends that were unanticipated. These between-group
differences are of interest but require further investigation using a larger sample
population. Sample size calculations for future studies based on the primary
outcome measures yielded a sample of 2008 participants. This accounted for
both a 20% difference between the two groups and a 20% dropout rate. Future
studies need to investigate the most beneficial length of time, type and dosage of
neurodynamic treatments, as well as, the most appropriate times to assess the
outcome measures. Comparison to controls would be beneficial in subsequent
studies.
Recommended Citation
Dawson, Diana M. Mrs., "The Effect of a Neurodynamic Treatment on Nerve Conduction in Clients with Low Back Pain" (2012). Open Access Dissertations and Theses. Paper 6818.
http://digitalcommons.mcmaster.ca/opendissertations/6818
McMaster University Library