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International Journal of Physiotherapy Research and Clinical Practice

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Evaluation of Neural Mobilization for Functional Recovery in Patients with Sciatica
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International Journal of Physiotherapy Research and Clinical Practice

DOI: 10.54839/ijprcp.v2i2.bhowmik

Year: 2023, Volume: 2, Issue: 2, Pages: 11-16

Original Article

Evaluation of Neural Mobilization for Functional Recovery in Patients with Sciatica

Purbita Bhowmik1,∗, Milan Anand1, S G Sudhan1

1Krupanidhi College of Physiotherapy, Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Abstract

Objective: Sciatica, marked by lower-limb neuralgic pain, significantly affects many individuals. Traditional treatments, such as medication or surgery, often have limitations. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Neural Mobilization (NM) and Core Muscle Stabilization (CMS) in reducing pain, improving function, and enhancing outcomes for sciatica patients. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 90 software professionals aged 30-55 years diagnosed with sciatica. Participants were randomly assigned to three groups: Neural Mobilization (Group A), Core Muscle Stabilization (Group B), and Control (Group C), with a 3-month intervention period. The inclusion criteria were sciatic pain confirmed by Straight Leg Raise (SLR) and Slump tests, along with core muscle weakness. Exclusion criteria included neurological or structural conditions. Outcome measures included pain (Numeric Pain Rating Scale [NPRS]), Sciatica Bothersome Index (SBI), pressure biofeedback (mmHg), and hip range of motion (ROM). Pre- and post-intervention assessments were also performed. Statistical analysis included paired t-tests and ANOVA. Findings: Both NM and CMS significantly reduced pain, improved SBI, and enhanced hip ROM and pressure biofeedback compared with the Control group. NM showed superior effectiveness, particularly in terms of pain reduction, SBI, and pressure biofeedback. Significant post-test differences were observed between groups for all outcomes (p < 0.001). Novelty: This study is one of the few to directly compare NM and CMS interventions in sciatica, demonstrating NM’s potential superiority in both symptom relief and functional improvements.

Keywords: Sciatica, Neural Mobilization, Core Muscle Strengthening, Pain Reduction, Hip Range of Motion, Rehabilitation

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Copyright

@ 2023 Published by Krupanidhi College of Physiotherapy. This is an open-access article under the CC BY license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

  • 07 November 2025

Year: 2023, Volume: 2, Issue: 2


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