Effects of Spinal Mobilization with Leg Movement and Neural Mobilization on Pain, Mobility, and Psychosocial Functioning of Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Randomized Controlled Study

Effects of Spinal Mobilization with Leg Movement and Neural Mobilization on Pain, Mobility, and Psychosocial Functioning of Patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Randomized Controlled Study

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of spinal mobilization with leg movement (SMWLM) and neural mobilization (NM) in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH) accompanied by radiating pain. Design: Three-group pre-test–post-test control group design. Methods: We enrolled 48 participants, whom we randomly assigned to three groups. The SMWLM group (n＝16) underwent 20 min of conventional physical therapy (CT) and 20 min of SMWLM. The NM group (n＝16) underwent 20 min of CT and 20 min of NM. The control group (n＝16) underwent 20 min of CT. These interventions in all the groups were performed three times a week for 4 weeks. Numeric pain rating score (NPRS), body grid chart score (BGCS), passive straight leg raise (PSLR), active lumbar flexion range of motion (ALFROM), korean version oswestry disability index (KODI), and korean version fear avoidance beliefs questionnaire (KFABQ) were measured pre- and post-intervention. Results: In all three groups, the NPRS, PSLR, KODI, and KFABQ scores were significantly different pre- and post-intervention (p<0.05). Significant differences were observed in BGCS and ALFROM in the SMWLM and NM groups pre- and post-intervention (p<0.05). The SMWLM group showed more improvement in the NPRS of leg pain, ALFROM, and KFABQ score than that exhibited by the NM and control groups (p<0.05). Conclusions: Both SMWLM and NM were effective for improving back and leg pain, centralization of symptoms, mechanical sensitivity, lumbar mobility, lumbar functional disability, and psychosocial functioning in patients with LDH with radiating pain.