Efficacy of Combining Mulligan Spinal Mobilization With Leg Movement and Mechanical Lumbar Traction in Lumbar Radiculopathy

Lumbar radiculopathy, commonly arising from disc herniation and nerve root compression, causes disabling leg pain, functional limitations, and reduced quality of life. Manual techniques such as Spinal Mobilization with Leg Movement (SMWLM) have shown promise, while mechanical lumbar traction aims to decrease nerve compression, though its added benefit remains uncertain. This randomized controlled trial will evaluate whether the combination of SMWLM and mechanical lumbar traction, delivered alongside conventional physiotherapy, yields superior clinical outcomes compared to SMWLM and conventional therapy alone. The study will be conducted in Islamabad, Pakistan, enrolling 32 adults aged 20-50 years with unilateral L4-L5 or L5-S1 radiculopathy (confirmed by MRI, symptom duration 4 weeks-6 months, positive Straight Leg Raise below 70°, and pain <7 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale). Participants will be randomly allocated to either the experimental group (SMWLM + intermittent mechanical lumbar traction at 50% body weight + conventional therapy) or the control group (SMWLM + conventional therapy alone).

The intervention will be applied over four weeks (three sessions weekly for the first two weeks, then two sessions weekly). SMWLM involves a sustained transverse glide to the spinous process of the superior vertebra while the patient actively performs pain-free leg movement. Mechanical traction will be applied intermittently (30-second hold, 10-second rest) for 15 minutes per session. Conventional therapy includes hot pack, TENS, and a standardized exercise program. Primary outcomes include pain intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale), hip range of motion during Straight Leg Raise (universal goniometer), and functional disability (Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Questionnaire) will be measured at baseline, week 2, and week 4. Data will be analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA and independent t-tests to assess between-group differences. This trial will provide evidence on whether combining mechanical traction with SMWLM enhances pain relief, mobility, and function in lumbar radiculopathy.

Inclusion criteria

• Age 20-50 years
• Male and female participants
• Unilateral radiculopathy due to L4-L5 or L5-S1 disc bulge, confirmed by clinical examination and MRI
• Symptom duration of 4 weeks to 6 months
• Positive Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test on the affected leg (<70° of hip flexion)
• Pain intensity <7 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS; mild to moderate pain)

Exclusion criteria

• Cognitive impairment, dementia, central cord signs
• Inflammatory or degenerative spine conditions
• Spine surgery within the last 6 months
• Pregnant women in the later half of 2nd trimester or 3rd trimester
• Muscular involvement (e.g., Deep Gluteal syndrome, Piriformis syndrome)
• Currently receiving medications or other contemporaneous treatment