Effects of cervical traction, infrared therapy, and selected biomarkers on neck disability indexes among people with cervical spondylosis: A sequential clinical trial

Background

Background

Cervical traction (CT) is among the adjunct physiotherapy technique for conservative management of cervical spondylosis CS. The mechanism of action of traction involves vertebral joint distraction which loses adhesions within the dural sleeves, reduces axial forces on intervertebral discs and intervertebral foramen, reduces nerve root irritation, inflammatory pain responses, and muscle spasm, and improve circulation within the epidural space. Furthermore, bloodborne biomarker of inflammation (interleukin-6 [IL-6], and osteoprotegerin [OPG]), hormones (estradiol [E2], and testosterone [TES]), and biochemical mediators of bone metabolism such as calcium (Ca2), and magnesium (Mg) may play a significant role in CS.

Objectives

To investigate (a) the effects of six-week alternate CT and infrared therapy (IRT) on neck pain and neck disability index (NDI), (b) and the influence of serum levels of IL-6, OPG, E2, TES, Ca2, Mg, and Ca2/Mg ratio on the reported levels of pain intensity (PI) and NDI among patients with cervical spondylosis, referred for physiotherapy in Enugu, Nigeria.

Dataset/Variables Description 

Sex (Male =1, Female =2), Age, Weight, Height, and Pain duration were measure only at baseline.

Systole, Diastole, and Pulse Rate were measured at baseline (labelled as PreSystole, PreDiastole, and PrePR) and after the final intervention (13 weeks) labelled as PostSystole, PostDiastole, and PostPR.

Numeric Pain Rating (NRS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), OPG, IL6, EST(E2), TES, Ca2, and Mg were measured four times: 

At baseline labelled with "a" such as NRS_a, NDI_a, OPG_a etc

After first intervention (6 weeks) and labelled with "b" example IL6_b, TES_b

After wash out (1 week rest) labelled as "c"

After the final intervention (6 weeks) labelled as "d"