Effect of Mulligan Bent Leg Raise Technique on Patients with Discogenic Sciatica

Abstract Background: Mulligan bent Leg raise (MBLR) is thought to have a positive therapeutic effect on pain, restricted straight leg raise (SLR), and affected nerve conduction in the patients with discogenic sciatica, due to altered neurodynamics and tightness of hamstring muscle, but there is not sufficient evidence to support that effectiveness. Aim of Study: Was to investigate the effect of Mulligan bent leg raise on Pain intensity, Straight Leg Raise ROM, and Hoffmann reflex Latency in the patients with discogenic sciatica. Patients and Methods: Thirty patients with chronic LBP with unilateral discogenic sciatica from both genders (12 females and 18 males) with ages ranged from 30 to 40 years old participated in this study. Randomly, participants were divided into two equal groups. Each group had fifteen patients and received three sessions per week for four weeks: (Study Group) (A): Was treated by Mulligan Bent Leg Raise Technique in addition to (Core Stabilization Exercises). (Control Group) (B): Was treated by Core Stabilization Exercises only. Three outcome measures (Visual Analog Scale, Straight Leg Raise ROM, and H-Reflex latency) were assessed pre and post treatment for both groups. Results: There was a significant decrease in VAS and H reflex latency and a significant increase in SLR ROM in both groups compared with pretreatment (p<0.001). There was a significant decrease in VAS and H reflex latency and a signif-icant increase in SLR ROM of study group compared with that of control group (p<0.01). Conclusion: Adding Mulligan Bent Leg Raise to Core Stabilization Exercises has a significant effect in decreasing VAS and H reflex latency and increasing SLR ROM compared with Core Stabilization Exercises alone in the patients with discogenic sciatica.