Lumbar Radiculopathy, Low Back Pain
Conditions
Keywords
Spinal Mobilization, Neurodynamic Mobilization, Lumbar Radiculopathy
Brief summary
Low back pain with lumbar radiculopathy is a common condition that significantly affects functional ability and quality of life. Manual therapy is widely used as a first-line treatment to reduce pain and improve mobility. This study aims to compare the effectiveness of spinal mobilization with leg movement (SMWLM) and neurodynamic mobilization in patients with lumbar radiculopathy. A total of 20 participants were randomly assigned into two groups. One group received SMWLM, while the other group received neurodynamic mobilization of the sciatic nerve over a treatment period of six weeks. Outcomes included pain intensity, quality of life, and hip range of motion. The results of this study aim to identify the more effective intervention for improving clinical outcomes in patients with lumbar radiculopathy.
Detailed description
Lumbar radiculopathy is a condition characterized by low back pain radiating to the lower limb due to nerve root compression or irritation. It is associated with functional limitations, reduced mobility, and decreased quality of life. Spinal mobilization with leg movement (SMWLM), based on the Mulligan concept, combines sustained accessory joint mobilization with active or passive limb movement. This technique aims to restore normal joint mechanics, improve spinal mobility, and reduce nerve root compression by increasing intervertebral foramen space. Neurodynamic mobilization focuses on restoring the normal mobility and physiology of the nervous system. It involves controlled movements that mobilize neural tissues and surrounding structures, helping to reduce neural tension and improve circulation. This randomized controlled trial compares the effectiveness of SMWLM and neurodynamic mobilization in patients with lumbar radiculopathy. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups and received treatment three times per week for six weeks. Outcome measures included pain intensity assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), functional disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and hip range of motion measured by a universal goniometer. The findings of this study are expected to provide evidence-based guidance for physiotherapists in selecting optimal treatment strategies for lumbar radiculopathy.
Interventions
This intervention involves applying sustained accessory spinal mobilization combined with active or passive leg movement to improve joint mechanics, reduce nerve compression, and enhance mobility.
Neurodynamic mobilization techniques were applied to mobilize the sciatic nerve and surrounding tissues to restore neural function, reduce tension, and improve mobility.
Sponsors
Deraya University
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE (Subject, Investigator)
Masking description
This study was single-blinded where participants and investigators were not fully aware of group allocation details to minimize bias.
Intervention model description
Participants were randomly assigned into two parallel groups. One group received spinal mobilization with leg movement, while the other group received neurodynamic mobilization. Outcomes were compared after completion of the intervention period.
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
25 Years to 50 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Age between 25 and 50 years * Male and female participants * Clinically diagnosed low back pain with lumbar radiculopathy for at least 3 months * Symptoms radiating below the knee along the sciatic nerve distribution
Exclusion criteria
* History of lumbar spine surgery or laminectomy * Spinal fractures, tumors, or inflammatory disorders * Acute disc prolapse or lumbar instability * Lower limb vascular disease * Neurological disorders * Piriformis syndrome * Manual therapy within the last 6 months * Hip pathology or hamstring tightness
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Pain Intensity (Visual Analogue Scale) | Baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment | Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), where 0 indicates no pain, and 10 indicates the worst possible pain. |
| Functional Disability (Oswestry Disability Index) | Baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment | Functional disability was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), which evaluates limitations in daily activities due to low back pain. |
| Hip Range of Motion | Baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment | Hip range of motion was measured using a universal goniometer to assess improvements in joint mobility. |
Countries
Egypt
Outcome results
None listed