Effect of Neurodynamic Slider Technique Combined with Conventional Therapy and Conventional Therapy Alone in Sciatica: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Functional activity is an important aspect of normal human function. Limited functionalactivities due to in sciatica have been shown to predispose a person to several restrictions in functionand significantly affect the normal daily life.Objective: To determine and compare the effectiveness of Neurodynamic Slider Technique (NST) withconventional therapy (CT) and conventional therapy alone in sciatica for improving functional abilityand pain.Method: 40 subjects with sciatica were allocated into two groups (20 subjects in each group). Theoutcome measure used was Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).Subjects of group A were treated with Conventional therapy only, whereas the subjects of group B weretreated with Neurodynamic slider technique. For both the groups, the technique was performed threetimes a week for a total treatment period of four weeks.Results: The results demonstrated significant improvement in functional ability for subjects of group Bwhen compared with those of group A (P<0.05) at the end of four weeks.Conclusion: The study shows that CT along with NST are efficient in the rehabilitation of sciaticapatients reflecting the improvement of functional ability by reducing pain and considerably increase thephysical performance of patients in their own aspects. Thus, Neurodynamic Slider technique along withConventional therapy can be used in clinical practices for the treatment of sciatica.