Immediate Effects of Dynamic Cupping on Median Nerve Mechanosensitivity in Healthy Participants: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: To assess the immediate effects of dynamic cupping on median nerve mechanosensitivity, measured by the upper limb neurodynamic test 1 (ULNT1), in healthy participants. Methods: After completing the questionnaire, 60 healthy participants were randomly assigned to two groups: the intervention group (IG; n = 30), which received dynamic cupping therapy, and the control group (CG; n = 30), which received no intervention. In the first assessment (M0), the ULNT1 was conducted on the dominant upper limb. The elbow extension range of motion was measured at the onset of symptoms and at the maximum tolerated point using a smartphone (iPhone 6, iOS 12.4.5, Apple Inc., Cupertino, CA, USA) as a goniometer substitute. Immediately following the intervention or control, both groups were assessed again (M1). Results: There were no significant differences between groups in terms of the range of motion for elbow extension at the onset of symptoms (IG: 23.8 ± 21.4° vs. CG: 24.8 ± 22.5°; p = 0.946) and at the maximum tolerated point of the ULNT1 (IG: 57.0 ± 19.9° vs. CG: 67.0 ± 19.4°; p = 0.236). Conclusions: These findings indicate that dynamic cupping does not appear to affect the mechanosensitivity of the median nerve in healthy participants. These results suggest that dynamic cupping may not be effective for immediate changes in nerve mechanosensitivity in asymptomatic individuals, but further research is needed to explore its effects in symptomatic populations, such as patients with carpal tunnel syndrome or cervical radiculopathy.