A comparison of the effectiveness of pnf and mulligan mobilization techniques with classic physiotherapy modalities in people with neck pain

The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) and Mulligan Mobilization techniques with classical physiotherapy modalities in individuals with neck pain. Thirty-nine individuals with neck pain, aged between 18 and 55, were randomly divided into two groups: the PNF group and the Mulligan group. Classical physiotherapy modalities were applied to all individuals five days a week. PNF techniques were applied to the PNF group, and Mulligan Mobilization techniques were applied to the Mulligan group three days a week. Participants were treated for 4 weeks. The patients' pain levels, demographic data, and various parameters were measured before and after treatment. These parameters included pain level using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), pressure pain threshold using an algometer, range of motion (ROM) using a universal goniometer, functionality using the Neck Disability Index, kinesiophobia using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia, quality of life using the SF-36 Quality of Life Scale, mood using the Beck Depression Inventory, and cervical muscle performance levels using cervical performance tests. In the within-group comparison, it was observed that after treatment, pain severity, kinesiophobia, and depression levels decreased, while pressure pain threshold, ROM, functionality, quality of life, and cervical muscle performance levels increased in both groups (p<0.05). In the between-group comparison, no significant differences were found in any parameters except for left lateral flexion and left rotation (p>0.05). It was concluded that PNF and Mulligan Mobilization techniques are effective in reducing pain severity, increasing pressure pain threshold, ROM, functionality, kinesiophobia, quality of life, mood, and muscle performance in individuals with neck pain, but neither technique was superior to the other.