SNAG versus sciatic nerve mobilization for non-specific sciatica
Official title: Comparison of the Acute Effects of Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glide and Sciatic Nerve Mobilization Exercises in Non-Specific Sciatic Nerve Pain
Run by Istinye University · NCT07161323 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study will try whether a hands-on SNAG spinal glide or home-based sciatic nerve mobilization exercises work better to reduce pain and improve function in adults aged 20–50 with chronic non-specific sciatica.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 50 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Istinye University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 1, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | September 8, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT07161323 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults 20–50 years old with unilateral chronic (>12 weeks) non-specific sciatica who have positive Slump and Straight Leg Raise tests and have not received physical therapy in the past month.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with physician-diagnosed herniated disc or spinal stenosis, significant neurological deficits, prior spinal surgery, serious medical conditions, recent pregnancy, or use of medications that alter pain perception are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this comparison.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a randomized crossover trial where eligible participants receive one of two interventions—Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides (SNAGs) delivered by a therapist or guided Sciatic Nerve Mobilization Exercises (SNME)—with pre- and post-treatment assessments. Participants are randomly assigned to one intervention, evaluated immediately after treatment, and then return about ten days later to receive the alternate intervention followed by repeat evaluations. Outcomes include pain measured by the Visual Analogue Scale and function measured by the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, along with baseline demographic data. The design allows within-person comparison of the two commonly used non-pharmacological approaches for chronic non-specific sciatic pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the trial could help clinicians choose a safer non-drug technique that lowers pain and improves daily function for people with chronic non-specific sciatica.
How similar studies have gone: Both Mulligan SNAG techniques and neural mobilization exercises have some supportive evidence for reducing back and leg pain, but direct head-to-head comparisons in chronic non-specific sciatica are limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults between the ages of 20 and 50, * Individuals describing non-specific sciatic pain characterized by unilateral low back pain accompanied by radiating symptoms to the leg, * Duration of pain longer than 12 weeks, * Presence of pain during the Slump Test and Straight Leg Raise Test, * No history of any physical therapy or intervention in the past month. b: Exclusion Criteria: * Individuals diagnosed with herniated disc or spinal stenosis by a physician, * Physician-diagnosed secondary neurological conditions, * History of spinal surgery, * Individuals describing the origin of their pain as the lower back (without leg involvement), * Presence of neurological symptoms (e.g., foot drop, significant muscle weakness), * Serious medical conditions that may affect treatment or outcomes (e.g., cancer, infections, or inflammatory diseases), * Pregnancy or recent childbirth (within the past year), * Use of medications that may affect pain perception or mobility (e.g., opioids), * Inability to comply with the weekly treatment schedule.
Where it's running
-
Clam Fizyoterapi Merkezi
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Çiçek Günday, Asst.Prof. — Istinye University
- Study coordinator: Sohiab Hassan Mohamed Wagdy Ahmed Elsayed Eladawi, Physiotherapist
- Email: sohiabhasan@gmail.com
- Phone: +905415142895
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Spinal and Kaltenborn mobilization for a stiff shoulder (frozen shoulder)
A randomized trial tests spinal mobilization with arm movement and Kaltenborn mobilization to see if they reduce pain and improve motion and function in people with adhesive capsulitis.
-
Comparing tensioner vs slider neurodynamic techniques for sciatic nerve pain
This trial tests whether tensioner or slider neurodynamic therapy is better at reducing pain and improving function for people with sciatica.
-
Ultrasound-guided transgluteal nerve block versus usual ER care for acute sciatica
This test tries a transgluteal sciatic nerve block to see if it reduces pain better than usual emergency-room care for adults with acute sciatica.
-
Effects of sensorimotor training with and without myofascial release for sciatica
This study is testing whether adding myofascial release to sensorimotor training can help people with sciatica feel less pain and move better.
-
Testing a new medication for low back and leg pain relief.
This study is testing a new medication to see if it can help people aged 18 to 80 with back and leg pain feel better.
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.