IMMEDIATE EFFECT OF CONTRALATERAL VERSUS IPSILATERAL SLIDER NEURAL MOBILIZATION WITH BLOOD FLOW RESTRICTION TRAINING ON PAIN AND FUNCTION IN LUMBAR RADICULOPATHY - A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL
Description
Background: Lumbar radiculopathy is a painful condition caused by compression of the spinal nerve roots that travel to extremities. Neural mobilization improves gliding of the nerves thereby reducing the pain that can be given ipsilaterally or contralaterally. Blood flow restriction therapy (BFRT) promotes muscular growth through mechanical tension and metabolic stress. Methods: Thirty-eight participants with unilateral lumbar radiculopathy were randomly assigned to two groups as Group A (n=19): Received contralateral slider neural mobilization with BFRT while Group B (n=19): Received ipsilateral slider neural mobilization with BFRT. The intervention lasted one day, with pre, immediate, and 24-hour post-treatment assessments. Pain intensity (NPRS), functional disability (MODQ), and hip flexion ROM (goniometer) were measured. Results: The within group analysis of data revealed that pain, functional disability and hip flexion range of motion during SLR test was found to statistically significant (P<0.005), while for between group analysis it was only statistically significant (P<0.005) for immediate and 24 hours post treatment. Conclusions: The study concluded that Group B:I+BFRT demonstrated greater clinical effectiveness, with higher effect sizes and statistically significant improvements across all outcome measures when compared with Group A:C+BFRT. Therefore, the intervention used in Group B:I+BFRT is more effective and recommended for better therapeutic outcomes. Key words: Radiculopathy, Pain, Blood Flow Restriction Training, Range of Motion, Function