Efficacy of manual therapy interventions in management of lumbar prolapsed intervertebral disc: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background. This pilot trial reports the initial estimates of the efficacy of manual therapy interventions in lumbar prolapsed intervertebral disc and determines the feasibility and acceptability of full powered “randomized controlled trial” on efficacy of “spinal mobilization with leg movement (SMWLM)”, high velocity low amplitude thrust (HVLA) and neural mobilization (NM) in lumbar PIVD (Prolapsed Inter-Vertebral Disc) and pilot data will be used to perform sample size calculation for full trial. Material and methods. 48 subjects diagnosed lumbar PIVD were randomly distributed into 4 groups. The primary outcomes were feasibility, assessment procedure, retention rate, adherence and acceptability to the intervention. The secondary outcomes measures were pain, disability and straight leg raise (SLR) range of motion. Results. 90 subjects were screened based on selection criteria. Out of them, 50 (55.55%) were eligible. 48(96%) subjects accepted to participate in study. Baseline data of all the groups was similar but post-intervention score were significant when compared the data between the groups. Highest mean change for visual analog scale (VAS), oswestry disability index (ODI) and SLR were found in SMWLM group. No adverse effects were reported by subjects. Results also suggest that the outcome measures were feasible and acceptable and the treatment considered as the beneficial approach. Conclusions. Present study suggests that it is feasible and acceptable to do a fully powered “randomized controlled trial (RCT)” to evaluate the efficacy of manual therapy interventions in management of lumbar PIVD. This study also reveals that manual therapy interventions are effective in management of lumbar PIVD.

Keywords

• physiotherapy
• manual therapy
• lumbar pivd
• neural mobilization
• manipulation