Immediate effects of neuromuscular joint facilitation treatment on vertebral artery blood flow

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in blood flow velocity and the vascular diameter of vertebral arteries before and after neuromuscular joint facilitation interventions via the cervical spine approach in healthy adults. [Participants and Methods] We included 16 healthy adults (9 males and 7 females). The interventions were performed successively, separated by a one-week interval. The order of interventions was randomized. The blood-flow velocity and diameter of the vertebral artery were measured before and after the intervention. The neuromuscular joint facilitation group underwent neuromuscular joint facilitation neck flexion pattern and extension pattern training on the right side of the cervical spine, while the control group was asked to rest for 5 min. [Results] The neuromuscular joint facilitation group showed a significant increase in systolic blood flow velocity and mean blood flow velocity of the right vertebral artery after the intervention. In contrast, the control group showed no significant differences for any of the measured parameters after the intervention. [Conclusion] Neuromuscular joint facilitation intervention via the cervical spine approach may be recommended to improve vertebral artery function.