EFFECTIVENESS OF SLIDER AND TENSIONER NEURODYNAMIC MOBILIZATION TECHNIQUES COMPARED TO STRETCHING EXERCISES ON PAIN, FUNCTION, AND RANGE OF MOTION IN PATIENT WITH CHRONIC DISCOGENIC SCIATICA

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effectiveness of the slider, tensioner neurodynamic mobilization techniques and stretching exercises on pain, range of motion (ROM), and functional disability in patients with chronic discogenic sciatica. Design: A pre-test post-test multi arm parallel RCT. Setting: Outpatient clinics, faculty of physical therapy, Kafrelsheikh University. Participants: Thirty-six patients with unilateral chronic discogenic sciatica were randomly allocated into three equal groups: Group (A) slider neurodynamic mobilization, Group (B) tensioner neurodynamic mobilization, and Group (C) stretching exercises of back extensors, hamstrings, and gastrocnemius muscles. Treatment was given three sessions per week for two weeks. Outcome measures: All patients were examined by visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain intensity, Modified-Modified Schober test (MMST) for lumbar flexion ROM, goniometer for hip flexion and knee extension ROM, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for functional assessment. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between groups at baseline ([Formula: see text] 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in the slider and tensioner groups compared to the stretching group for all variables. Furthermore, statistically significant differences were found in the slider technique as compared to the tensioner technique regarding ROM of lumbar flexion ([Formula: see text] = 0.03), hip flexion ([Formula: see text] = 0.004), and knee extension ([Formula: see text] = 0.005). Conclusion: Slider and tensioner neurodynamic mobilization techniques are more effective than stretching exercises in terms of reducing pain, increasing ROM, and improving function. Slider technique is more effective in ROM improvement.