Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 24, 2025
Biomechanical Changes Related to Low Back Pain: An Innovative Tool for Movement Pattern Assessment and Treatment Evaluation in Rehabilitation
Published on: December 13, 2024
Neurodynamic exercises provide no additional benefit to extension-oriented exercises in people with chronic low
Luis Fernando Sousa Filho1, Marta Maria Barbosa Santos2, Danielle Brito Matos Vasconcelos2
1Graduate Program in Physical Education, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristovão, Sergipe, Brazil; Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Sergipe, São Cristovão, Sergipe, Brazil.
Background:
Chronic low back-related leg pain may involve mixed pain mechanisms. A strategy to address both neuropathic and nociceptive pain symptoms would be combining treatments.
Objective:
To assess the effects of adding neurodynamic exercises to extension-oriented exercises in patients with chronic low back-related leg pain and a directional preference.
Design:
Two arm, single blind, randomized clinical trial.
Method:
Eligible participants were aged between 18 and 65 years, had low back pain radiating below gluteus for at least 3 months, pain intensity greater than 3 points in the numerical pain rating scale, positive SLR test and a directional preference for lumbar extension movements. Thirty-one participants were randomly allocated into one of two groups: extension-oriented exercises (EE) or extension exercises plus neurodynamic exercises (EEN). Primary outcomes were leg pain intensity and function at 3 weeks. Secondary outcomes were low back pain intensity, disability, global perceived effect and quality of life at 3 weeks and at 1 month.
Results:
Retention rate was 100% (n = 14) in EE and 94% (n = 16) in EEN for primary outcome analysis. There was no between-group difference for the primary outcomes and for low back pain intensity, GPE and quality of life at 3 weeks. For some outcomes, EE was superior to EEN.
Conclusions:
We found no benefits in adding neurodynamic exercises to extension-oriented exercises for patients with nerve-related leg pain and a directional preference. As this study has a small and very specific sample, results may be interpreted with caution.
