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OpenTrials
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NCT Number: NCT07710924

Effects of Shockwave Therapy Versus Ultrasound Therapy Among Patients With Chronic Sciatica

Sciatica is characterized by radiating pain, functional limitations, reduced flexibility, disturbed sleep, and impaired quality of life. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) and Therapeutic Ultrasound are commonly used physiotherapy modalities for pain relief and tissue healing; however, evidence directly comparing their effectiveness remains limited. This randomized controlled trial compares the effects of Shockwave Therapy and Ultrasound Therapy, each combined with conventional physiotherapy, on pain intensity, hamstring range of motion, sleep quality, and quality of life in patients with chronic sciatica.

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Key information

Conditions

Sciatica Chronic Sciatica Lumbar Radiculopathy Mononeuropathies Nervous System Diseases Neuralgia Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Diseases Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Peripheral Nervous System Diseases Radiculopathy Sciatic Neuropathy Signs and Symptoms

Age range

20 year–45 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

ULTH

Lahore, Pakistan

About this study

This randomized controlled trial compares two physiotherapy interventions for chronic sciatica. Sixty-six participants will be randomly allocated to either Shockwave Therapy plus Conventional Physiotherapy or Ultrasound Therapy plus Conventional Physiotherapy. Both groups will receive identical conventional physiotherapy consisting of heat therapy, myofascial release, stretching, and strengthening exercises. Treatment will be administered four sessions per week for eight weeks. Outcomes including pain intensity, hamstring range of motion, sleep quality, and quality of life will be measured at baseline, Week 4, and Week 8 by a blinded outcome assessor.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Adults aged 20-45 years.
  • Clinically diagnosed chronic sciatica.
  • Radiating pain below the knee.
  • Positive Straight Leg Raise test (30°-70°).
  • Pain intensity ≥4/10 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale.
  • Symptoms persisting for at least 3 months.
  • Presence of tingling, numbness, lumbar radiculopathy, or piriformis syndrome.

Exclusion criteria

  • Lumbar disc herniation.
  • Progressive neurological disorders.
  • Ankylosing spondylitis.
  • Paget disease.
  • Tuberculosis.
  • Malignancy.
  • Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory disorders.
  • Previous spinal surgery or fracture.
  • Fever, unexplained weight loss, or systemic illness.

Treatment and study plan

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy

Device

Radial extracorporeal shockwave therapy will be applied to the sciatic nerve origin and piriformis region using standardized treatment parameters for approximately 10 minutes during each treatment session.

Other names: ESWT, Radial Shockwave Therapy

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Device

Therapeutic ultrasound will be applied to the gluteal and lumbar regions using standardized frequency and intensity parameters for approximately 10 minutes during each treatment session.

Other names: Ultrasound Therapy, Ultrasound

Conventional Physiotherapy

Other

Conventional physiotherapy will include moist heat therapy, myofascial release, stretching exercises, and strengthening exercises administered during every treatment session.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain Intensity

    Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, Week 8

    Numeric Pain Rating Scale (0-10). Higher scores indicate greater pain.

  2. Hamstring Range of Motion

    Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, Week 8

    Hip flexion measured with a universal goniometer during the Straight Leg Raise test.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Sleep Quality

    Time frame: Baseline, Week 4, Week 8

    Sleep Quality Scale. Higher scores indicate poorer sleep quality.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Lahore

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Effects of Shockwave Therapy Versus Ultrasound Therapy Combined With Conventional Physiotherapy on Pain Intensity, Hamstring Range of Motion, Sleep Quality, and Quality of Life Among Patients With Chronic Sciatica: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Jul 17, 2026
Registry last updated
Jul 17, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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