Radicular low back pain is a common form of neuropathic pain caused by nerve root compression or irritation, typically due to lumbar disc herniation. It is characterized by radiating pain from the lower back to the leg, often accompanied by sensory or motor deficits.. Other spondylosis with radiculopathy, lumbar region
Conditions
Interventions
Intervention group: Intervention group:The intervention group will receive the Biceps Femoris Spasm Test (BFST) as the primary diagnostic tool for radicular low back pain. The test will be performed b
Sponsors
Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to 65 Years
Inclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria: Adults aged 18 to 65 years Radiating low back pain lasting at least six weeks Clinical signs of nerve root involvement (e.g., dermatomal sensory loss, decreased deep tendon reflexes, or segmental motor weakness) Ability and willingness to participate in physical examination and imaging studies Signed written informed consent
Exclusion criteria
Exclusion criteria: History of prior lumbar spine surgery Presence of cauda equina syndrome Known systemic neuromuscular disorders Pregnancy Significant hip joint pathology Inability to cooperate with physical examination Unwillingness to participate or provide informed consent
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic accuracy of the Biceps Femoris Spasm Test for detecting symptomatic radicular low back pain, using magnetic resonance imaging as the reference standard. Timepoint: Immediately after performing the Biceps Femoris Spasm Test and comparator tests, during the initial clinical evaluation. Method of measurement: The primary outcome variable will be measured by evaluating the results of the Biceps Femoris Spasm Test, with a focus on the reproduction of radicular symptoms and observable muscle spasm. The diagnostic accuracy will be assessed by comparing the test results to magnetic resonance imaging and electrodiagnostic findings, which will serve as reference standards. | — |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame |
|---|---|
| Secondary outcome variables include the sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and overall agreement of the Biceps Femoris Spasm Test with conventional neurodynamic tests such as the Straight Leg Raise and Slump Test, as well as correlation with electrodiagnostic findings. Timepoint: Secondary outcomes will be measured immediately after the intervention and at 2, 4, and 6 weeks following the intervention to assess the ongoing diagnostic accuracy and performance of the Biceps Femoris Spasm Test compared to standard neurodynamic tests. Method of measurement: The secondary outcome variables will be measured using the following methods:Biceps Femoris Spasm Test: The test will be performed by trained clinicians using a standardized protocol to assess the presence of muscle spasm. The diagnostic accuracy will be recorded based on the response to the test, and results will be compared to MRI and EDX as reference standards.Neurodynamic Tests: Standard neurodynamic tests, such as the Straight Leg Raise (SLR) and Slump Test, will be performed to assess nerve tension and pain response. The results of these tests will be compared with the Biceps Femoris Spasm Test at each follow-up time point.Pain and Symptom Assessment: Pain levels and other symptoms will be measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, and patient-reported outcomes will be documented using a standardized questionnaire at each time point.These measurements will be conducted immediately after the intervention and at 2, 4, and 6 weeks to evaluate the ongoing diagnostic performance of the Biceps Femoris Spasm Test. | — |
Countries
Iran (Islamic Republic of)
Contacts
Public ContactNima Amiresmaili
Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Outcome results
None listed