Original Research Article
Year: 2021 | Month: December | Volume: 8 | Issue: 12 | Pages: 54-62
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20211208
Comparison of Effectiveness of Passive Hamstring Stretching Technique and Neurodynamic Sciatic Nerve Sliding Technique in Low Back Pain
Swati Paranjape1, Nishigandha Naik2
1Assistant Professor, 2MPT in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy,
Department of Physiotherapy, Seth GSMC and KEM Hospital, Parel, Mumbai-400012, India.
Corresponding Author: Nishigandha Naik
ABSTRACT
Objective: Low back pain (LBP) is a very common health problem worldwide having global point prevalence of 9.4%. Correlations have been found between decreased length of the hamstrings and LBP. It was found that improving the flexibility of hamstrings can significantly reduce chronic LBP. This study compared the effectiveness of two techniques i.e. passive hamstring stretching technique (PHS) and neurodynamic sciatic nerve sliding technique (NDS) on hamstring flexibility and pain in non-radiating LBP patients.
Methods: 26 patients between the age group of 25-45 years having non-radiating LBP were recruited in the study. Group A (n=13) were given passive hamstring stretching while Group B (n=13) performed neurodynamic sciatic nerve sliding technique under guidance of the researcher. Baseline data were obtained for hamstring length and pain before and after intervention. Pain was assessed using ‘visual analogue scale’ and hamstring length was measured using ‘passive knee extension test’. Intervention was performed on alternate days for three sessions with 48 hours rest period in between each session.
Results: Data were analysed for hamstring length and pain between both the groups using ‘unpaired t’ test. NDS technique was statistically significantly more effective in improving pain (p =0.03 at 95%CI= -2.07 to -0.09). There was no statistically significant difference in the effectiveness of both techniques in improving hamstring length (p =0.08 at 95%CI= -3.4 to 0.25).
Conclusions: Both the techniques are equally effective in improving hamstring length, however NDS was more effective in improving pain in low back pain patients as compared to PHS.
Keywords: Low back pain; Neural sliders; Static hamstring stretch; Hamstring flexibility .
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