Elongation Longitudinal Decoaptation Ostéo-Articulaire Versus Active Isolated Stretching on Median Nerve Mobility and Pain in Patient With Upper Limb Overuse Syndrome

Summary

Upper-limb overuse syndrome (ULOS) often arises from repetitive loading, altering cervical biomechanics and increased median-nerve mechano sensitivity. Elongation longitudinal decoaptation ostéo-articulaire (ELDOA) at C5-C6 improves segmental decompression and neural sliding, while Active isolated stretching (AIS) enhances soft tissue elasticity and neuro dynamic glide.

Currently no direct comparison exists between these two methods in literature. Study aims to compare ELDOA (C5-C6 specific) and AIS in patients with ULOS for checking effects on median nerve mobility and pain. This research will be conducted as a randomized clinical trial involving 84 participants (42 in each group). Adults aged 20-50 years with diagnosis of ULOS, symptom duration 3- months (12 weeks) will be included in the study. While Neurological or rheumatologic conditions, recent corticosteroid injections, recent cervical or major upper limb surgery, and ongoing neural mobilization-focused physical therapy are among the exclusions. After meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria and obtaining written and verbal consent from the participants. Participants will be randomly assigned to either the AIS or ELDOA groups and will receive 3 sessions per week for 3 weeks with baseline hot pack. Group A will perform diaphragmatic breathing with ELDOA targeting C5-C6, whereas Group B will engage in AIS on muscles that cause median-nerve tension. Pain intensity, upper limb function and median nerve mobility are outcome measures that will be assessed using tools NPRS, QuickDASH and ULTT1. Data will be analyzed using the 2024 SPSS.

Conditions

• Upper Limb Overuse Syndrome

Interventions

PROCEDURE

Elongation longitudinal decoaptation ostéo-articulaire (ELDOA) and baseline

Common baseline treatment (both Groups) Prior to their designated intervention, both groups will receive the following standardized baseline treatment: 1. Hot pack application 2. Patient education 3. Home exercise program Elongation longitudinal decoaptation ostéo-articulaire (ELDOA) C5-C6 spinal segments will be the focus of ELDOA postures performed by participants assigned to ELDOA group. To improve neuromuscular engagement, each pose will be held for 30 seconds and performed five times while accompanied by guided diaphragmatic breathing. Each session of ELDOA intervention will last roughly 15 to 20 minutes in total. To optimize therapeutic efficacy and safety, the therapist will closely monitor symptoms during each session and make sure that each posture is executed and aligned correctly.

PROCEDURE

Active isolated stretching (AIS)

1. Hot pack application 2. Patient education. 3. Home exercise program Active isolated stretching (AIS) Active Isolated stretches that target the wrist flexors, pronator teres, biceps and pectoralis minor muscles that affect median nerve tension will be performed by participants assigned to the AIS group 3 set of 8 to 10 repetitions of each stretch, held for two seconds, will be performed for every muscle group. Each session of AIS intervention will last roughly 15 to 20 minutes in total to maximize safety and efficacy. The therapist will keep an eye on technique, make sure that proper activation is occurring and evaluate stretch tolerance throughout the intervention.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Faisalabad

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

20 Years

Max Age

50 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-07-10

Primary Completion

2026-08-20

Completion

2026-08-25

Countries

• Pakistan

Study Locations