Mulligan spinal mobilization with leg movement plus mechanical lumbar traction for lumbar radiculopathy
Official title: Efficacy of Combining Mulligan's Spinal Mobilization With Leg Movement Technique and Mechanical Lumbar Traction Among Patients With Lumbar Radiculopathy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Run by Khyber Medical University Peshawar · NCT07573124 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether adding intermittent mechanical lumbar traction to Mulligan spinal mobilization plus regular physiotherapy helps adults with unilateral L4‑L5 or L5‑S1 lumbar radiculopathy reduce pain and improve function over four weeks.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 32 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Khyber Medical University Peshawar Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Islamabad, Capital) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 1, 2026 |
| Main results expected | October 15, 2026 |
| Study ends | November 15, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | May 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07573124 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 20–50 with unilateral L4‑L5 or L5‑S1 radiculopathy confirmed by MRI, symptom duration 4 weeks to 6 months, a positive Straight Leg Raise under 70°, and pain under 7/10 are the intended participants.
✕Probably not a fit
People with recent spine surgery, inflammatory or degenerative spine disease, significant cognitive impairment, advanced pregnancy, primary muscular entrapment syndromes, severe pain or motor deficits, or those already receiving other concurrent treatments are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized, controlled trial in Islamabad will compare two groups of adults (age 20–50) with unilateral L4‑L5 or L5‑S1 radiculopathy: one receiving Spinal Mobilization with Leg Movement (SMWLM) plus intermittent mechanical lumbar traction and conventional physiotherapy, and the other receiving SMWLM with conventional physiotherapy alone. Thirty‑two participants confirmed by MRI and positive Straight Leg Raise (<70°) with symptom duration 4 weeks to 6 months will be randomized. Treatments are delivered over four weeks (three sessions per week for two weeks, then two sessions per week), with traction applied intermittently at ~50% body weight (30s hold, 10s rest for 15 minutes) when assigned. Outcomes include pain, functional status, and lumbar range of motion measured across the 4‑week program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the combined approach could provide faster or greater pain relief and functional improvement than manual therapy with conventional physiotherapy alone.
How similar studies have gone: Manual SMWLM has shown promise in smaller studies while evidence for standalone mechanical traction is mixed, so combining these approaches in a randomized trial is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Age 20-50 years * Male and female participants * Unilateral radiculopathy due to L4-L5 or L5-S1 disc bulge, confirmed by clinical examination and MRI * Symptom duration of 4 weeks to 6 months * Positive Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test on the affected leg (\<70° of hip flexion) * Pain intensity \<7 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS; mild to moderate pain) Exclusion Criteria: * Cognitive impairment, dementia, central cord signs * Inflammatory or degenerative spine conditions * Spine surgery within the last 6 months * Pregnant women in the later half of 2nd trimester or 3rd trimester * Muscular involvement (e.g., Deep Gluteal syndrome, Piriformis syndrome) * Currently receiving medications or other contemporaneous treatment
Where it's running
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DMC Physiotherapy Clinic
Islamabad, Capital, Pakistan Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Muhammad Haris, DPT — Institute of Health Science, Khyber Medical University Islamabad
- Study coordinator: Muhammad Haris, DPT
- Email: drm.harispt@gmail.com
- Phone: +92 349 5959672
Similar studies
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This study tests whether adding trans-spinal electromagnetic neuromodulation to standard physical therapy helps people with unilateral disc-related lower back nerve pain.
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Effect of Mulligan Bent Leg Raise vs. Spinal Mobilization With Leg Movement for Lumbar Radiculopathy
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.