Authors
- Mohamed Hussein ElGendyDepartment of Basic Sciences Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypthttps://orcid.org/0000-0001-9996-5344
- Islam Tarek AbuemiraDepartment of Basic Sciences Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypthttps://orcid.org/0009-0006-7630-1901
- Ali Muhammad Al-GuyoushiDepartment of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypthttps://orcid.org/0009-0003-3966-4955
- Efrem KentibaArba Minch University, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Department of Sports Science, Arba Minch Ethiopia.https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7013-2605
- Magda Gayed SedhomDepartment of Basic Sciences Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypthttps://orcid.org/0009-0007-6566-5424
Keywords:
Lumbar traction, Radiculopathy, Spinal mobilization, Low back painAbstract
Purpose: Spinal mobilization with leg movement (SMWLM) and lumbar traction (LT) are individually recognized as evidence-based treatments for lumbar radiculopathy. However, previous studies have not compared these two modalities directly. This study aimed to compare the effects of LT versus SMWLM on pain, range of motion (ROM), and disability in adults with lumbar radiculopathy.
Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, (n=60) patients diagnosed with lumbar radiculopathy by their orthopedist participated in this study. They were randomly divided into three groups: Experimental group (a) consisted of 20 patients who received LT and conventional treatment; Experimental group (b) consisted of 20 patients who received SMWLM and conventional treatment; Control group (c) consisted of 20 patients who received only conventional treatment (ultrasound therapy, hot packs, and core stability exercises). Interventions were conducted over 12 sessions (3 sessions per week) across four weeks. Outcomes were assessed at the start and end of the fourth week using a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional disability, and a back range of motion (BROM) device to measure lumbar spine flexion and extension.
Results: All groups showed significant improvement post-treatment compared to pre-treatment (P<0.05) across all measured variables. Group analysis revealed significant differences among the three groups in VAS and ODI scores (P=0.001), with groups A and B showing greater improvement than group C. However, there were no significant differences between the groups in BROM measurements (P>0.05).
Conclusion: Both LT and SMWLM were effective in managing patients with lumbar radiculopathy. However, there was no significant difference in effectiveness between the two treatments.
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Author Biographies
Mohamed Hussein ElGendy, Department of Basic Sciences Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
Mohamed Hussein El Gendy is working in the department of Basic Sciences Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
Islam Tarek Abuemira, Department of Basic Sciences Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
Islam Tarek Abuemira is working in the department of Basic Sciences Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
Ali Muhammad Al-Guyoushi, Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
Ali Muhammad Al-Guyoushi is working in the department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
Efrem Kentiba, Arba Minch University, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Department of Sports Science, Arba Minch Ethiopia.
Dr. Efrem Kentiba is currently working as an Exercise Physiology Assistant Professor at Arba
Minch University College of Natural and Computational Sciences Department of Sports Science, Arba Minch, Ethiopia.
Magda Gayed Sedhom, Department of Basic Sciences Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
Magda Gayed Sedhom is working in the department of Basic Sciences Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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