Comparing Maitland rotation mobilization versus Mulligan spinal mobilization with leg movement for lumbar radiculopathy

Comparative Effects of Maitland's Rotation Mobilization and Mulligan's Spinal Mobilization With Leg Movement on Lumbar Radiculopathy

NA · Foundation University Islamabad · NCT07050966

This test compares Maitland rotation mobilization and Mulligan spinal mobilization with leg movement to see which reduces pain and improves motion for adults with chronic lumbar radiculopathy.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment48 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorFoundation University Islamabad (other)
Locations1 site (Islamabad)
Trial IDNCT07050966 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This randomized controlled trial assigns adults with chronic unilateral lumbar radiculopathy to one of two treatment groups: Mulligan's spinal mobilization with leg movement plus lower limb neurodynamic mobilization, or Maitland's lumbar rotation mobilization plus the same neurodynamic technique. Treatments are delivered in clinic at Foundation University College of Physical Therapy and outcomes are measured for pain, lumbar range of motion, and functional mobility. Eligible participants are ambulant adults aged 18–65 with symptoms for at least 3 months and an NPRS pain score between 5 and 7. The study compares short- and longer-term changes to identify which mobilization approach provides more durable benefit.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 18–65 with chronic (≥3 months) unilateral lumbar radiculopathy, an NPRS pain score between 5 and 7, who are ambulant and can attend in-person treatments at the study site.

Not a fit: People with other spine conditions (failed back surgery, spondylolisthesis, spinal stenosis), non-ambulant patients, those on anticoagulants, or pregnant women are excluded and unlikely to benefit from participation.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help clinicians choose a manual therapy approach that gives more sustained pain relief and improved mobility for people with lumbar radiculopathy.

How similar studies have performed: Both Maitland and Mulligan mobilization techniques have shown short-term symptom improvements in prior studies, but direct head-to-head comparisons for lasting effects in lumbar radiculopathy are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age: 18-65 years

  * Both Males and Females
  * Participants with a diagnosis of chronic (≥3 months) lumbar unilateral radiculopathy referred from Fauji Foundation Hospital, Rawalpindi
  * NPRS score of \> 5 and \< 8

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosis of other back conditions (e.g. failed back surgery syndrome, spondylosis, spondylolisthesis, and spinal stenosis, non-specific low back pain, and fracture)

  * Non ambulant/wheelchair-bound or having cauda equina syndrome
  * Patient taking anticoagulants
  * Pregnant Females

Where this trial is running

Islamabad

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Lumbar Radiculopathy

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.