Effects of Myokinetic Stretching Technique With And Without Neural Flossing Technique In Lumbar Radiculopathy

June 4, 2026 updated by: Riphah International University

Effects of Myokinetic Stretching Technique With And Without Neural Flossing Technique On Pain, Flexibility, And Mobility In Patients With Lumbar Radiculopathy

This single-blinded randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate the comparative effects of Myokinetic Stretching Technique (MST) alone versus MST combined with Neural Flossing Technique (NFT) in individuals with lumbar radiculopathy. A total of 22 participants aged 25-55 will be recruited through non-probability convenience sampling from rehabilitation clinics in Lahore and randomly assigned to two intervention groups

Study Overview

Detailed Description

This single-blinded randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate the comparative effects of Myokinetic Stretching Technique (MST) alone versus MST combined with Neural Flossing Technique (NFT) in individuals with lumbar radiculopathy. A total of 22 participants aged 25-55 will be recruited through non-probability convenience sampling from rehabilitation clinics in Lahore and randomly assigned to two intervention groups. Both groups will receive treatment thrice weekly for six weeks. Outcome measures include pain intensity (NPRS), functional disability (ODI), flexibility (Sit and Reach Test, Modified Schober Test), and trunk strength (Functional Trunk Strength Tests). Data will be analyzed using SPSS v24, with appropriate statistical tests applied based on data distribution.

Study Type

Interventional

Enrollment (Estimated)

22

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

    • Punjab Province
      • Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan, 54000

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:• Age between 30-50 years

  • Clinically pre diagnosed lumbar radiculopathy
  • Radiating low back pain persisting for >3 weeks
  • Positive Straight Leg Raise Test (SLR) or Slump Test
  • LDI or Oswestry Disability Index <50% Exclusion Criteria:• Recent spinal surgery or acute spinal trauma
  • Pregnancy , Inflammatory or autoimmune spinal diseases
  • Severe neurological deficits
  • Inability to participate in active exercises or follow instructions

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: Single

Arms and Interventions

Participant Group / Arm
Intervention / Treatment
Experimental: conventional
heating pad and Range of motion
  • Light aerobic activity (e.g., stationary cycling or brisk walking) to increase blood flow and prepare muscles for stretching• Myokinetic Stretching Technique (MST): - Target muscles: hamstrings, lumbar paraspinals, gluteals, hip flexors. - Involves both active (patient-initiated) and passive (therapist-assisted) stretches.
  • Sustained stretches held for 20-30 seconds with 3-5 repetitions.
  • Focus on length-tension balance, postural correction, and neuromuscular re- education. Progressive loading as tolerated
  • Myokinetic stretching with Neural Flossing Technique (NFT): -
  • Target: sciatic nerve and related neural structures. -
  • Performed as oscillatory, controlled gliding movements ("sliders" and "tensioners").
  • Techniques include supine straight leg raise with ankle dorsiflexion and cervical flexion/extension. - 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions, increasing intensity and duration based on tolerance. Aims to reduce neural tension and improve neurodynamic mobility.
Active Comparator: conventional therapy
heating pad and range of motion exercises
  • Light aerobic activity (e.g., stationary cycling or brisk walking) to increase blood flow and prepare muscles for stretching• Myokinetic Stretching Technique (MST): - Target muscles: hamstrings, lumbar paraspinals, gluteals, hip flexors. - Involves both active (patient-initiated) and passive (therapist-assisted) stretches.
  • Sustained stretches held for 20-30 seconds with 3-5 repetitions.
  • Focus on length-tension balance, postural correction, and neuromuscular re- education. Progressive loading as tolerated
  • Myokinetic stretching with Neural Flossing Technique (NFT): -
  • Target: sciatic nerve and related neural structures. -
  • Performed as oscillatory, controlled gliding movements ("sliders" and "tensioners").
  • Techniques include supine straight leg raise with ankle dorsiflexion and cervical flexion/extension. - 3 sets of 10-15 repetitions, increasing intensity and duration based on tolerance. Aims to reduce neural tension and improve neurodynamic mobility.

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure
Measure Description
Time Frame
Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS)
Time Frame: baseline to 4 week
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) measures a patient's self-reported pain intensity on a scale from 0 to 10. A score of 0 indicates no pain, 1-3 is mild, 4-6 is moderate, and 7-10 represents severe pain.
baseline to 4 week
Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
Time Frame: baseline to 4 week
The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is used to assess the impact of low back pain on a patient'sADLs. It includes 10 sections, 0 to 5each, with the total score expressed as a percentage. The results categorize disability from minimal (0-20%) to bed-bound or exaggerated symptoms (81-100%), helping quantify the degree of functional limitation
baseline to 4 week
Sit and Reach Test
Time Frame: baseline to 4 week
The Sit and Reach Test is used to assess the flexibility of the hamstrings and lower back. The patient sits with legs extended and reaches forward along a marked measuring line. Scores above 10 cm indicate excellent flexibility, 0-10 cm is average, and negative values suggest poor flexibility, often linked to hamstring tightness or lumbar dysfunction.
baseline to 4 week
Muscle Strength Assessment: Functional Trunk Strength Tests
Time Frame: baseline to 4 week
Functional Trunk Strength Tests assess the strength and endurance of lumbar flexors and extensors through movements like sit-ups or back extensions. The patient performs prone chest raises. Greater repetitions or longer hold times indicate better trunk strength and endurance, while early fatigue suggests weakness.
baseline to 4 week
Modified Schober Test
Time Frame: baseline to 4 week
The Modified Schober Test assesses lumbar spine flexibility during forward bending by measuring the increase in distance between marked points on the lower back. An increase of ≥5 cm indicates normal lumbar mobility, while <5 cm suggests restricted flexion.
baseline to 4 week

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Anam Iqbal, DPT, 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)

July 6, 2025

Primary Completion (Estimated)

August 5, 2026

Study Completion (Estimated)

September 6, 2026

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

June 1, 2026

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

June 4, 2026

First Posted (Actual)

June 5, 2026

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Actual)

June 5, 2026

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

June 4, 2026

Last Verified

June 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

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.

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