Effects of Spinal Mobilization With Leg Movement With and Without Neural Flossing Technique in Lumbar Radiculopathy

Effects of Spinal Mobilization With Leg Movement With and Without Neural Flossing Technique on Pain, Disability, and Range of Motion in Patients With Lumbar Radiculopathy

Lumbar radiculopathy is a spinal condition caused by compression or irritation of the lumbar nerve roots, leading to radiating leg pain, sensory changes, and functional disability. It commonly affects middle-aged and older adults, impairing daily activities and quality of life. Conservative treatments include medication, physiotherapy, and exercise. Spinal Mobilization with Leg Movement (SMWLM), a Mulligan technique, uses passive vertebral mobilization with active leg motion to reduce nerve compression and improve mobility. Neural flossing, or neurodynamic mobilization, enhances nerve mobility by promoting gliding of nerve roots, especially in cases of restricted neural movement. This study aims to evaluate the effects of spinal mobilization with leg movement (SMWLM) with and without neural flossing technique on pain, disability, and range of motion in patients with lumbar radiculopathy.

This single-blinded randomized clinical trial will be conducted at Noor Al-Shifa Hospital, Lahore, over 10 months following ethical approval. A total of 36 patients (18 in each group) with lumbar radiculopathy will be recruited by using non-probability convenience sampling. Group A will receive spinal mobilization with leg movement (SMWLM) with neural flossing technique, while Group B will receive spinal mobilization with leg movement (SMWLM) only. Each group will undergo treatment 3 times per week for 6 weeks, with each session lasting 45 minutes. Pre- and post-intervention assessments will include pain (NPRS), SLR range of motion (Goniometer), and disability (Modified Oswestry Disability Index). Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 26

Inclusion Criteria:

• • Patients aged between 30-50 years (9)

  • Both male and female genders
  • Patient should have lower back pain radiating to one side with numbness, tingling, and muscle weakness (12)
  • Positive Lasegue & slump test

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any fracture or other injury

  • Any systemic illness
  • Any inflammatory disease (Rheumatoid arthritis, gout)
  • Disc herniation
  • Piriformis syndrome
  • Lumbar instability
  • Scoliosis