The Effectiveness of the Mulligan Concept Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide Method in Patients with Non-specific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Single-Blinded Trial

Abstract

Objective: The study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of the Mulligan concept cervical sustained natural apophyseal glide (SNAG) mobilization method in people with non-specific neck pain (NSNP).

Methods: The study was conducted with 32 patients aged 18-50 years. The patients were divided randomly into the study (n = 16) and control (n = 16) groups. A total of 15 treatment sessions were applied to both groups. Joint range of motion (ROM) was evaluated with a universal goniometer, pain assessments with the short-form McGill questionnaire, functionality with the Neck Disability Index, quality of life with the Nottingham Health Profile scale, and sleep levels with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.

Results: Significant differences were detected in the measurement of ROM, pain, and neck disability severity before and after treatment in both the study and control groups (P < .05). Although no significant differences were detected in sleep quality and quality of life scores in the study group before and after treatment (P > .05), significant differences were detected in the control group (P < .05). After treatment, no differences were detected between the 2 groups in terms of ROM, pain, the severity of neck disability, sleep quality, and quality of life (P > .05).

Conclusion: The SNAG method was found to be effective in improving cervical ROM, reducing pain, and disability. This study highlights the clinical relevance of the SNAG method as a safe and effective manual therapy technique for improving cervical mobility and reducing pain in individuals with NSNP. *CTN: NCT05425706

Cite this article as: Korkem Yorulmaz D, Çelik M, Yıldırım Şahan T, Aytar A, Dürüstkan Elbaşı N, Birbir B. The effectiveness of the Mulligan concept sustained natural apophyseal glide method in patients with non-specific neck pain: a randomized controlled single-blinded trial. Arch Health Sci Res. 2025; 12, 0202, doi: 10.5152/ArcHealthSciRes.2025.25202.