Effectiveness of Combined Neural Mobilization With Manual Myofascial Release for Sciatic Pain Relief
April 2, 2026 updated by: Riphah International University
This study will address to evaluate and compare both Neural mobilization and Manual Myofascial Release of piriformis and Lumbar muscles in sciatic pain with the aim of evaluating and identifying the most effective intervention for managing this specific condition, and provide valuable insights into the effectiveness, mechanisms, and practical considerations associated with these interventions, ultimately contributing to evidence based and patient centered care.
Study Overview
Status
Completed
Conditions
Detailed Description
MFR is a hands-on technique targeting fascial restrictions that may contribute to pain and reduced mobility.
Barnes proposed that releasing fascial adhesions can improve circulation, reduce nerve compression, and enhance tissue flexibility.
In a study by Ajimsha et al. , MFR was found to significantly reduce pain and improve physical function in patients with nonspecific low back pain.
There is a lack of comparative research assessing the relative efficacy of neural mobilization andMFR in sciatic pain management.
While both techniques are rooted in distinct mechanisms neural desensitization versus fascial release they may have overlapping benefits in improving mobility and reducing pain.
This study addresses this research gap by directly comparing the two approaches in individuals with sciatic pain.
Study Type
Interventional
Enrollment (Actual)
48
Phase
- Not Applicable
Contacts and Locations
This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.
Study Locations
-
-
KPK
-
Chakdara, KPK, Pakistan, 18800
- Riphah International University, Malakand
-
-
Participation Criteria
Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.
Eligibility Criteria
Ages Eligible for Study
- Adult
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
No
Description
Inclusion Criteria:
- Clinically diagnosed unilateral sciatic pain for >3 months.
- Positive Straight Leg Raise (SLR).
Exclusion Criteria:
- Participants fall in this category would be excluded of the study.
- Recent spinal surgery or trauma.
- Neurological deficits or systemic conditions affecting the nervous system.
- Any other red flags
Study Plan
This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.
How is the study designed?
Design Details
- Primary Purpose: Treatment
- Allocation: Randomized
- Interventional Model: Parallel Assignment
- Masking: None (Open Label)
Arms and Interventions
Participant Group / Arm |
Intervention / Treatment |
|---|---|
|
Experimental: Combined Neural Mobilization with Manual myofascial Release
Combined neural mobilization of Sciatic nerve and manual myofascial release of piriformis and back muscles will be given to this group.
|
Combined neural mobilization with manual myofascial release will be provided to each subject.
Other Names:
|
|
Active Comparator: Neural Mobilization
Only neural mobilization of Sciatic nerve will be given to this group.
|
neural mobilization will be provided to each subject.
Other Names:
|
|
Active Comparator: Manual Myofascial Release
Only manual myofascial release of piriformis and back muscles will be given to this group.
|
Manual myofascial release will be provided to each subject.
Other Names:
|
What is the study measuring?
Primary Outcome Measures
Outcome Measure |
Measure Description |
Time Frame |
|---|---|---|
|
Numerical pain rating scale
Time Frame: Four Weeks
|
A subjective pain assessment tool where patients rate their pain intensity on a scale from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain).
|
Four Weeks
|
|
Universal Goniometer
Time Frame: Four Weeks
|
Joint range of motion will be measured using a Universal Goniometer in degrees (°).
Each joint movement will be assessed individually.
The goniometer will be used following standardized procedures as per the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) guidelines.
Unit of Measure is degrees.
|
Four Weeks
|
|
Patient-Specific Functional Scale
Time Frame: Four Weeks
|
The Patient-Specific Functional Scale is a validated patient-reported outcome measure used to assess functional limitations based on activities identified by the patient. Participants will rate their ability to perform 3-5 self-selected activities that are important to them, using an 11-point scale ranging from 0 to 10. Minimum score: 0 (indicating the patient is unable to perform the activity) Maximum score: 10 (indicating the patient can perform the activity at their prior level with no difficulty) Interpretation: Higher scores indicate better functional status. The average score across all selected activities will be used for analysis. |
Four Weeks
|
|
SLR (Straight Leg Raise)
Time Frame: Four Weeks
|
A clinical test used to assess sciatic nerve irritation or lumbar radiculopathy by raising the extended leg while the patient lies supine.
|
Four Weeks
|
Collaborators and Investigators
This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.
Sponsor
Investigators
- Principal Investigator: Amnah Anum, MSPT, Riphah International University
Study record dates
These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.
Study Major Dates
Study Start (Actual)
April 15, 2025
Primary Completion (Actual)
October 3, 2025
Study Completion (Actual)
December 31, 2025
Study Registration Dates
First Submitted
April 7, 2025
First Submitted That Met QC Criteria
April 24, 2025
First Posted (Actual)
April 27, 2025
Study Record Updates
Last Update Posted (Actual)
April 8, 2026
Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria
April 2, 2026
Last Verified
April 1, 2026
More Information
Terms related to this study
Additional Relevant MeSH Terms
Other Study ID Numbers
- REC-01004 Anwar Ullah
Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)
Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?
NO
Drug and device information, study documents
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product
No
Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product
No
This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.