Neurodynamic Assessment

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Introduction

A neurodynamic assessment evaluates the length and mobility of various components of the nervous system. They are performed by the therapist placing progressively more tension on the component of the nervous system that is being tested and are divided into upper and lower limb tests.

The Upper Limb Tension Tests (ULTTs) are also known as Brachial Plexus Tension or Elvey Test. These tests are designed to put stress on neurological structures of the upper limb. These tests were first described by Elvey and hence also known as Elvey tests, but most commonly called ULTT. The shoulder, elbow, forearm, wrist and fingers are kept in specific position to put stress on particular nerves (nerve bias), and a further modification in position of each joint is done as "sensitiser". The ULTT's are equivalent to the straight leg raise designed for the lumbar spine.

Purpose

These tension tests are performed to check the peripheral nerve compression or as a part of neurodynamic assessment. The main reason for using a ULTT is to check cervical radiculopathy. These tests are both diagnostic and therapeutic. Once the diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy is made, the tests can be done to mobilise the entrapped nerve.

Method

Each test is done on the normal/asymptomatic side first. Traditionally for the upper limb, the order of joint positioning is shoulder followed by forearm, wrist, fingers, and lastly elbow. Each joint positioning component is added until the pain is provoked or symptoms are reproduced. To further sensitise the upper limb tests, side flexion of the cervical spine can be added. If pain is provoked in the very initial position, then there is no need to add further sensitisers.

If pain or sensations of tingling or numbness are experienced at any stage during movement into the test position or during addition of sensitisation manoeuvers, particularly reproduction of neck, shoulder, or arm symptoms, the test is positive. This confirms a degree of mechanical interference affecting neural structures.

Upper Limb Nerve Tension Tests

Upper Limb Tension Test 1 (ULTT1, Median nerve bias)

Shoulder girdle depression Shoulder abduction Shoulder external rotation Forearm supination Wrist and Finger extension Elbow extension Cervical side flexion See here for more info on this test.

Upper Limb Tension Test 2A (ULTT2A, Median nerve bias)

Shoulder girdle depression Elbow extension Lateral rotation of the whole arm (shoulder/humerus) Wrist, finger and thumb extension

Upper Limb Tension Test 2B (ULTT2B, Radial nerve bias)

Shoulder girdle depression Elbow extension Medial rotation of the whole arm (shoulder/humerus) Wrist, finger and thumb flexion

Upper Limb Tension Test 3 (ULTT3, Ulnar nerve bias)

Shoulder girdle depression Shoulder abduction Shoulder external rotation Wrist and Finger extension Elbow flexion Shoulder abduction

Musculocutaneous Nerve Tension Test (ULTT musculocutaneous)

Shoulder girdle depression Elbow extension Shoulder extension Ulnar deviation of the wrist with thumb flexion Either medial or lateral rotation of the arm could further sensitise this nerve

PNF Prone neck flexion

Purpose: To assess the contribution of neural tension to the patient's symptoms.

Test Position: Supine.

Performing the Test: Patient actively performs upper cervical nod. Examiner passively flexes lower cervical spine. A reproduction of pain or other neural symptoms in the thoracic spine is a positive test. A stretching sensation is normal.

Diagnostic Accuracy: Unknown.

Importance of Test: As nerves run through the various tissues of our body, they can become adherent to some of the structures they pass. This test looks to reproduce these symptoms by placing the spinal cord on tension via cervical flexion.

Lower Limb Nerve Tension Tests

Slump Test (entire nervous system)

Hands behind back Thoracic flexion Extend one knee Dorsiflex foot of extended knee Cervical flexion

See here for more info on this test.

Femoral Nerve Tension Test

Patient is lying in prone position Affected side: Full knee flexion and maintains position for 45s If full knee flexion cannot be performed, the hip may be brought into extension to further stress the femoral nerve and nerve roots L2-L4 Positive test: Shooting pain or reproduction of patient's symptoms See here for more info on this test.

Straight Leg Raise (Sciatic nerve)

Patient laying supine Medial hip rotation, then flexion, with knee extended Ankle dorsiflexion (tibial nerve) Ankle plantarflexion and foot inversion (common peroneal nerve) Hip adduction (sciatic nerve) Increasing hip medial rotation (sciatic nerve) Neck flexion (SC, meninges and sciatic nerve)

See here for more info on this test.

Precautions

Unintentional aggravation of symptoms will be very rare if a comprehensive subjective examination was taken and the physiotherapist is able to link this information with a knowledge of pathology. The following are the precautions:

1.     Physiotherapists must keep in mind that aggravating upper limb symptoms is much easier than those in the lower limbs. This is because the nerves are weaker and have more complex courses in the upper limb.

2.     The test is involving many joints and muscles. Hence, it is complex and it might be easy to forget that one of these structures could get irritated during the test.  

Contraindications

Neurodynamic testing is contraindicated when:

1. Performing physical examination is inappropriate for either physical or psychosocial reasons.
2. Severe pain in which the examination could unnecessarily provoke the patient’s symptoms.
3. There is a heavy bias towards psychosocial issues.
4. The pain is unstable, irritable, or hypersensitive.

Indications

Neurodynamic testing is indicated when:

1. The patient has symptoms anywhere in the head, arms, neck, and/or thoracic spine.
2. The symptoms are not severe and the problem is not easily provoked.
3. Neurological symptoms are completely absent or only a minor part of the condition and those neurological symptoms are stable, not easily provoked and intermittent.
4. The problem is stable and not rapidly deteriorating.
5. The pain is not severe at the time of examination and there is no latency in terms of symptoms provoking.

Normal Responses:

The following are the normal responses which appear during a neurodynamic test:

1. A deep ache or stretch in the cubital fossa extending downwards to the anterior radial aspect of the forearm and hand.
2. A definite tingling sensation the first three fingers and thumb.
3. A stretch in the anterior shoulder aspect.
4. Cervical lateral flexion away from the tested side increases the test’s response.
5. Cervical lateral flexion towards the tested side decreases the test’s response.

Reliability and validity:

The reliability and validity are different for different tests which can be seen here.

Presentations

Adverse Neural Dynamics - Upper Extremity Examination This presentation, created by Jason Grandeo, as part of the Evidence in Motion OMPT Fellowship, reviews 1) the biomechanical and pathophysiological properties of nerve,2) the indications for using upper-limb neurodynamic tests, 3) normal sensory responses for each of the upper limb neurodynamic tests, 4) the validity of the upper limb neurodynamic tests, and 5) positive findings with upper limb neurodynamic tests. Adverse Neural Dynamics - Upper Extremity Examination/ View the presentation

Adverse Neural Dynamics - Treatment considerations for neck and arm pain This presentation, created by Jason Grandeo, as part of the Evidence in Motion OMPT Fellowship, 1) reviews the current literature on treating adverse neural dynamics in the upper extremity, 2) describes interventions used to treat individuals with positive neural dynamic tests for median, ulnar and radial nerves, and 3) discusses the need for future research to guide physical therapist clinical reasoning when treating individuals presenting with signs of adverse neural dynamics in the upper extremity. Adverse Neural Dynamics - Treatment considerations for neck and arm pain/ View the presentation