Effect of Sciatic Nerve Mobilization on Lower Extremity Pain Perception

This randomized controlled pilot study aims to investigate the effect of sciatic nerve mobilization on pain perception in lower extremity peripheral nerves, specifically the tibial nerve and the common peroneal nerve, in healthy university students. The study will be conducted at Fenerbahçe University.

A total of 34 participants will be included. Eligible participants will be students aged 18 to 30 years at Fenerbahçe University who voluntarily agree to participate and meet the study eligibility criteria. Participants will be randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group.

Pain perception will be assessed using pressure pain threshold measurements obtained with a pressure algometer at standardized anatomical points over the tibial and common peroneal nerves. Measurements will be performed before and after the study procedure using the same protocol for all participants.

Participants in the intervention group will receive a standardized sliding-type sciatic nerve mobilization protocol performed in the supine position. The mobilization includes coordinated movements of hip flexion, knee extension, and ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion to create a sliding effect on the sciatic nerve. The control group will not receive any intervention.

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 18 to 30 years
• Being a student at Fenerbahçe University
• No history of major trauma or surgery in the lower extremity within the last 6 months
• Voluntarily agreeing to participate in the study and signing the informed consent form

Exclusion criteria

• History of neurological disease
• History of lower extremity peripheral nerve injury
• Having undergone lower extremity surgery within the last 6 months
• Regular use of analgesic or muscle relaxant medications
• Pregnancy
• Presence of any systemic disease that may interfere with the assessment or intervention procedures