IMMEDIATE EFFECT OF THREE METHODS OF NEURODYNAMIC TISSUE MOBILIZATION EXERCISES ON THE WALKING CAPACITY AMONG PATIENTS HAVING NEUROGENIC CLAUDICATION

Abstract

Purpose: Neurogenic claudication presents itself as leg pain, paresthesia or cramp reproduced by walking and reduced by rest. It occurs more commonly in spinal canal Stenosis and the surgical decompression of the spine in this condition is rarely required. Nerve tissue may develop dynamic dysfunction such as adhesion and neural fibrosis can impair nerve mobility. Neurodynamic mobilization methods may enhance the neural tissue mobility and enhance physical function. The aim of this study was to explore the role of neural mobilization on the pain free walking distance (PFWD) and walking time among cases of spinal canal Stenosis presenting with neurogenic claudication. Methods: Forty eight patients diagnosed with neurogenic claudication were randomly and equally divided into any of the four groups: the “tensioner neural mobilization”; the “one ended slider neural mobilization” group; the “two ended slider neural mobilization” group; and the placebo group. The distance walked before pain onset and this pain-free walking time was recorded immediately before and after the neural mobilization intervention as per group’s protocol. Result: The “two ended slider method” of neural mobilization was more superior to the “one ended slider” or the “tensioner method” for improving walking capacity. Neither “single ended” slider neural mobilization nor placebo intervention caused any statistically significant improvement in the walking capacity among patients of neurogenic claudication. Conclusion: The “double slider method” of neural mobilization is most appropriate followed by “slider method” of neural mobilization and the “single ended slider method” for enhancing the walking distance and walking time among patients suffering from neurogenic claudication.