RELIABILITY OF NEURODYNAMIC TEST LOCAL SEQUENCE OF THE MEDIAN NERVE IN HEALTHY SUBJECTS

Abstract

 Introduction: neurodynamic tests test the mechanosensitivity and physiological function of the nervous system. Objective: to assess the intra and interexaminer reliability of the NDT local sequence for the median nerve at the wrist in healthy subjects for the variables: type of response, reached ROM, location, type and intensity of the feelings evoked and end feeling perceived by the physiotherapist and to describe the normal response of this test. Material and method: 50 asymptomatic subjects (100 records) between 19 and 48 years old were recruited into this intra and inter-rater reliability and precision study. NDT was executed by two therapists alternately, and a third physiotherapist measured the joint ranges and recorded the variables. Results: intratester and intertester reliability was almost perfect for type of response (K = 0.9-0.8), range of global motion (ICC = 0.97-0.9), location of sensations in the first three fingers (ICC = 0.8-0.87), sensation of cramps, burning, tingling (being the most common), tension and pain (K = 1.0-0.8), intensity of symptoms (ICC = 0.86-0.88) and end feel (K = 0.9-1.0). Conclusion: local sequence at the wrist of neurodynamic median nerve test has proved inter and intraexaminer reliable for detecting the type of response, range of motion, location of symptoms, intensity and sensation provoked, and the sensation perceived by physiotherapist and has described the normal response to healthy subjects.