ABSTRACT
Background: Neural mobilization (NM) constitutes the most effective, common method for assessing and treating several neuromuscular disorders. The study at hand aims to determine the effectiveness of the NM technique compared to lumbar stabilization exercise (LSE) and Radial Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (rESWT) in the physical therapy management of chronic low back pain (CLBP) with radiculopathy. Methods: Two groups comprising 30 participants and randomly chosen formed the basis of this investigation: Group A (NM, LSE, and rESWT) and Group B (LSE and rESWT). The period of three to six weeks constituted the time it took to measure the results herein reached baseline. The results of the observations focused on pain assessed by numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), Lumbar flexion range of motion (Lumbar FROM) by Schober’s method, and disability level as measured by the Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire (MODQ). Results: In the control group, the mean scores of pain, lumbar FROM, and MODQ at baselines showed a high level of similarity (6.47, 2.87, and 43.71 respectively in the intervention group, and 6.20, 2.93 and 44.66. Both groups showed improvement in their pain scores at three weeks (P<0.05). However, only lumbar FROM and MODQ showed statistically significant improvement in favor of the intervention group at three weeks (P<0.05). By week 6, both groups achieved a statistically significant difference in the values of all variables. Conclusion: NM with LSE and rESWT is more effective than LSE and rESWT in the third week, and was similarly effective in the sixth week of the treatment. NM with LSE and rESWT may be an alternative treatment option in the treatment of CLBP.
ABSTRACT
Background: Shoulder Impingement Syndrome (SIS) is a major contributing factor for shoulder pain. Although many therapists use Kinesio Taping (KT) and Manual Therapy (MT) for SIS, no such studies in combination with Supervised Exercise Therapy (SET) have been conducted in the context of Saudi Arabia. Thus, the purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of KT and MT with SET in patients with SIS. Methods: Randomized controlled trial. Thirty-two subjects were assigned into two groups (KT with SET and MT with SET). The following outcome measures were measured at baseline, three weeks and six weeks. The outcome measurements are pain intensity by a numerical pain rating scale (NPRS), Active range of motion in the shoulder (AROM) by goniometry, and the functions of the shoulder measured through Shoulder Pain and Disability Index (SPADI). A simple descriptive statistical analysis was adopted to describe the patient-specific demographic characteristics with respect to outcome parameters. Within-group and between groups comparison were analyzed using ANOVA, and Scheffes’ posthoc tests by using SPSS 21.0. Results: Sixteen subjects completed treatment in each group. No differences were identified between groups at baseline. In ANOVA, it was shown that both groups significantly (p<0.05) decreased pain intensity, improved function and increased shoulder AROM in the 3rd week, and 6th week. However, post hoc analysis results suggested that the KT, in conjunction with SET, had a higher proportion of change on 3rd week, of the pain intensity, SPADI, and AROM. Conclusion: KT with SET has been found to be more effective than the MT with SET in the 3rd week and had the same effect in the 6th week of the treatment. When an immediate effect is expected, KT may be a better choice of treatment in the management of SIS.