Effect of Neurodynamic Mobilization in Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation

Not Applicable

Completed

• Conditions: Lumbar Disc Herniation; Low Back Pain

• Registration Number: NCT07203560
• Lead Sponsor: Aydin Adnan Menderes University

Brief Summary

The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to investigate the effects of neurodynamic mobilization on pain intensity, normal joint motion, neurodynamics, functional level, and disability in patients with lumbar disc herniation.

Detailed Description

Background: Low back pain is a major cause of disability worldwide, and due to the limited effectiveness of current treatments, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of neurodynamic mobilization technique on pain intensity, range of motion, neurodynamics, functional status, and disability in patients.

Methods: Thirty-seven patients were randomized to control or mobilization group. Participants in the control group received a conventional therapy for 20 treatment sessions, and those in the mobilization group were treated neurodynamic mobilization in addition to the electro/thermal therapy program twice a week for 4 consecutive weeks. Pain level at rest and during activity was recorded with a Visual Analog Scale. Active lumbar flexion, extension, and lateral flexion were measured with a universal goniometer. Neurodynamic mobility was evaluated using neurodynamic tests. The functional status was assessed with the 30-second chair stand test and disability was evaluated with the Bournemouth Questionnaire. 2x2 repeated measures ANOVA models were used to determine within and between group differences.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2018-06-04
• Primary Completion: 2019-05-10
• Study Completion: 2019-05-10
• Status Verified: 2025-09
• Study First Submitted: 2025-09-17
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-09-24
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-09-24
• Study First Posted: 2025-10-02
• Last Update Posted: 2025-10-02

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 40

Inclusion Criteria

• Age between 20 and 60 years
• Diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation at one or more of the L3-L4, L4-L5
• L5-S1 levels with prolapsed, protruding, or extruding disc confirmed by MRI
• Presence of low back pain for at least 6 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria

• Spinal stenosis
• Previous lumbar surgery or medical treatment for disc herniation
• Pregnancy
• Severe osteoporosis
• Diabetes mellitus
• Severe neurological deficit

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Pain Intensity	Pain was assessed at baseline (before treatment) and at the end of 4 weeks of treatment (post-treatment)	Patients' rest and activity pain levels was assessed via a visual analog scale (VAS). Participants were asked to mark the intensity of pain they felt on a 10-centimeter (cm) horizontal line (0 indicates no pain, 10 indicates intolerable pain). The point marked on the line was measured with a ruler and the VAS value was recorded in cm

Secondary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
ROM	Rom was assessed at baseline (before treatment) and at the end of 4 weeks of treatment (post-treatment).	Rom of the lumbar region was evaluated using a universal goniometer. Lumbar flexion and extension, right and left lateral trunk flexion were measured actively and recorded in terms of degree.
Neurodynamic Mobility - Slump Test	These were assessed at baseline (before treatment) and at the end of 4 weeks of treatment (post-treatment).	Slump test The patient was asked to sit on the edge of the examination table with the knee flexed at 90° and to flex the neck, back, and lower back respectively. He was then asked to bring his big toe towards his head by extending the knee. In this position, the angle between the starting position and the fibula was measured with a universal goniometer. The test was repeated twice and the mean degree was recorded.
Neurodynamic Mobility - Sit and Reach Test	Baseline (before treatment) and at the end of 4 weeks of treatment (post-treatment)	Sit and Reach test The top of a table with a height of 32 cm and a length of 35 cm was scaled by dividing it into cm. The patient was asked to sit on the floor and rest the sole of her bare foot flat on the test table. She was then instructed to reach as far as possible forward on the table without bending her knees from her trunk. The extreme point at which her fingers extended was measured in cm. In this way, at the farthest point, they waited 1-2 seconds without stretching forward or backward. The test was repeated twice, and the mean was recorded in cm

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Gazi University Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation; Ankara, Çankaya, Turkey (Türkiye)