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Sciatic Neural Mobilization in Lumbar-Related Leg Pain
Sponsor: Istinye University
Summary
Low back pain is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal disorders worldwide and significantly reduces individuals' quality of life, functional capacity, and productivity. Lumbar-related leg pain (LRLP) is observed in a substantial proportion of patients with low back pain and is associated with neurodynamic dysfunctions arising from peripheral nerve sensitization. Although the effects of neural mobilization on pain and functional outcomes have been investigated in the literature, studies examining its short-term effects on balance and proprioception remain limited. Therefore, this study aims to determine the immediate effects of sciatic nerve neural mobilization on balance and proprioception in individuals with LRLP exhibiting peripheral nerve sensitivity. The study will be designed as a prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. Participants will be recruited from individuals presenting to the Istinye University Health Practice and Research Center Hospital who meet the inclusion criteria. Following random allocation, 52 participants will be assigned either to the intervention group (neural mobilization) or the sham group (sham mobilization). In addition to a single-session standard conventional physiotherapy program, each group will receive its respective intervention protocol. Assessments will be conducted at two time points: before treatment and immediately after treatment. Static and dynamic balance as well as proprioception will be evaluated using the ProKin balance system; muscle mechanical properties will be assessed using the MyotonPRO device; pain threshold will be measured with an algometer; and flexibility will be evaluated using the sit-and-reach test.
Official title: Immediate Effects of Sciatic Neural Mobilization on Balance and Proprioception in Patients With Low Back Pain and Radiating Leg Pain: A Prospective Randomized Clinical Trial
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - 50 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
52
Start Date
2026-06-15
Completion Date
2026-10-15
Last Updated
2026-05-15
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Sciatic neural mobilization
Participants in the intervention group will receive sciatic neural mobilization in addition to a single-session standard conventional physiotherapy program. The conventional treatment program will consist of hot pack application, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and exercises aimed at improving lumbar muscle activation, flexibility, and proprioceptive awareness. Sciatic neural mobilization will be performed based on controlled neural sliding and tensioning principles along the sciatic nerve, with the aim of enhancing neural mobility, improving neurodynamic mechanisms, and supporting neuromuscular control. All interventions will be administered by experienced physiotherapists according to standardized protocols.
Sham sciatic neural mobilization
Participants in the sham group will receive the same single-session standard conventional physiotherapy program as the intervention group. In addition, sham sciatic neural mobilization will be applied. In the sham intervention, procedures similar to those used in the intervention group will be performed at a minimal level without producing therapeutic neural tension or sliding effects. This approach is intended to distinguish the specific effects of the intervention from placebo effects. All procedures will be carried out by experienced physiotherapists in accordance with standardized protocols.