The effectiveness of Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide on Flexion Rotation Test, pain intensity, and functionality in subjects with Cervicogenic Headache: A Systematic Review of Randomized Trials

Ricardo Cardoso; Adérito Seixas; Sandra Rodrigues; Isabel Moreira‑Silva; Nuno Ventura; Joana Azevedo; Filippo Monsignori

doi:10.1186/s40945-022-00144-3

Authors

Ricardo Cardoso Transdisciplinary Center of Consciousness Studies of Fernando Pessoa University, Porto, Portugal
Adérito Seixas Portugal LABIOMEP, Faculdade de Desporto, INEGI-LAETA, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
Sandra Rodrigues Escola Superior de Saude, Universidade Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
Isabel Moreira‑Silva Faculdade de Desporto, CIAFEL, Universidade Do Porto, Porto, Portugal
Nuno Ventura Escola Superior de Saude, Universidade Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
Joana Azevedo Escola Superior de Saude, Universidade Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal
Filippo Monsignori Escola Superior de Saude, Universidade Fernando Pessoa, Porto, Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40945-022-00144-3

Keywords:

Physiotherapy, Cervicogenic headache, Sustained natural apophyseal glide, SNAG, Randomized controlled trials

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effect of sustained natural apophyseal glide (SNAG) on Flexion Rotation Test, pain intensity, and functionality in subjects with Cervicogenic Headache (CH). Methods: The research was conducted on five computerized databases PubMed/Medline, Web of Science, PEDro, Lilacs, and Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), using the keywords combination: (sustained natural apophyseal glide OR SNAG OR joint mobilization OR Mulligan) AND (cervicogenic headache) according to PRISMA guidelines. The methodological quality of the included studies was analyzed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. Results: Eight articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in the review. The selected studies had a methodological quality of 6.6/10 on the PEDro scale and included a total of 357 participants. The SNAG significantly improved pain, Flexion Rotation Test and reduced functional symptoms. Conclusion: The available evidence suggests that SNAG may be a relevant intervention for CH.