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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07524686

Spinal Mobilization With Leg Movement Versus Neurodynamic Mobilization in Lumbar Radiculopathy

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.

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Key information

Conditions

Lumbar Radiculopathy Back Pain Low Back Pain Nervous System Diseases Neurologic Manifestations Neuromuscular Diseases Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Peripheral Nervous System Diseases Radiculopathy Signs and Symptoms

Age range

25 year–50 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Deraya university, faculty of physical therapy

Minya, Menia Governorate, Egypt

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

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

Treatment and study plan

Spinal Mobilization With Leg Movement

Other

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

Other

Neurodynamic mobilization techniques were applied to mobilize the sciatic nerve and surrounding tissues to restore neural function, reduce tension, and improve mobility.

Primary outcomes

  1. Pain Intensity (Visual Analogue Scale)

    Time frame: 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.

  2. Functional Disability (Oswestry Disability Index)

    Time frame: 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.

  3. Hip Range of Motion

    Time frame: Baseline and after 6 weeks of treatment

    Hip range of motion was measured using a universal goniometer to assess improvements in joint mobility.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Deraya University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effectiveness of Spinal Mobilization With Leg Movement Versus Neurodynamic Mobilization in Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Apr 13, 2026
Registry last updated
Apr 13, 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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