ELDOA versus spinal mobilization with leg movement for lumbar radiculopathy

Comparative Effects Between ELDOA and Spinal Mobilization With Limb Movement in Lumbar Radiculopathy

This project will see if ELDOA exercises or spinal mobilization with controlled leg movements work better to reduce pain and improve function in adults aged 30–50 with unilateral lumbar radiculopathy.

Quick facts

• Phase: Not applicable
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 36 (estimated)
• Ages: 30 Years to 50 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Foundation University Islamabad (Academic / other)
• Locations: 1 site (Islamabad, Punjab Province)
• Trial ID: NCT07328282 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: a structured ELDOA exercise program aimed at spinal decompression and postural alignment, or spinal mobilization with controlled leg movements (SMWLM) focusing on mobilization and neural mobility. Outcomes measured include pain intensity (Visual Analog Scale), functional disability (Oswestry Disability Index), and lumbar range of motion measured with a bubble inclinometer. The trial enrolls adults with unilateral radicular symptoms from mild posterolateral disc herniation confirmed on MRI and positive neural-tension tests. Treatments are delivered in person at a single center with pre- and post-treatment comparisons between groups.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults aged 30–50 of any sex with unilateral lumbar radiculopathy, posterolateral mild disc herniation on MRI, positive straight leg raise (30–70°), positive crossed SLR and slump tests, and dermatomal L4/L5 symptoms.

Not a fit: Patients with spinal instability, significant neuroforaminal stenosis, large disc herniations or other structural problems requiring surgery, severe motor weakness or cauda equina signs, prior spinal surgery, certain diagnosed spinal diseases (e.g., spondylolisthesis, fracture, tumor, ankylosing spondylitis), or pregnancy are unlikely to benefit from these conservative interventions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, one approach could offer a non-surgical option to reduce radicular pain and improve mobility and daily function in patients with mild posterolateral lumbar disc herniation.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies of spinal mobilization and neural mobilization techniques have reported modest improvements in pain and function, but direct randomized comparisons with ELDOA are limited.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

* Age 30 -50 years
* both male and female
* Unilateral lumbar radiculopathy
* Posteriolateral mild disc herniation on MRI
* SLR test positive (30 to 70) degree
* crosed SLR test positive
* Slump test positive
* pain and symptoms disturbution in dermatomal pattern of L4 and L5 Exclusion Criteria
* MRI findings indicating i. Spinal instability ii. Significant neuroforaminal stenosis iii. Structural abnormalities requiring surgical intervention (e.g., large disc herniation )
* Clinical findings indicating:

  i. Absence of severe neurological and severe motor weakness (Manual Muscle Testing grades 0, 1, or 2) ii. Signs of cauda equina lesion (e.g., saddle anesthesia, bowel/bladder dysfunction)
* Diagnosed spinal conditions i. Lumbar spondylolisthesis ii. Lumbar spine fracture iii. Spinal stenosis iv. Spinal tumor v. Ankylosing spondylitis
* History of previous spinal surgery Pregnancy

Where this trial is running

Islamabad, Punjab Province

• Foundation University College of Physical Therapy — Islamabad, Punjab Province, Pakistan (Recruiting)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Uzma Jabeen

Conditions Lumbar Radiculopathy; lumbar pain