EFFECTS OF 6-WEEKS PILATES EXERCISE VERSUS NEURAL DYNAMIC MOBILIZATION ON PAIN, FLEXIBILITY AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH SCIATICA

Abstract

Background: Sciatica is a condition where the sciatic nerve, which travels from the lower back to the hips and down the legs, causes discomfort. Pilate’s exercises emphasize on core strength and stability, controlled movements. Neural Dynamic Mobilization was a technique used in physical therapy to assess and treat conditions involving the nervous system by applying controlled movements to nerves. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of 6-weeks Pilates’ exercises versus neural dynamic mobilization on pain, flexibility and quality of life in patients with sciatica.

Material & Methods: This Randomized Clinical trial was conducted on 20 patients aged 18-65 years diagnosed with sciatica. These patients were randomly divided into two groups using a non-probability convenient sampling method. Group A, received Pilates exercises while Group B received Neural Dynamic Mobilization along with conventional physiotherapy respectively. The treatment was administered for two consecutive days every week for a period of six weeks. Various outcome measures were utilized to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatments including the Back Pain Functional Scale, sit and reach test, and the SF-36 pre and post treatment. The data collected was analyzed using SPSS version 23.

Results: Within-group analysis was conducted using paired t-tests. In neural mobilization, the sit and reach test and Back Pain Functional Scale had a p-value of 0.00 respectively. In Pilates exercises, the sit and reach test had a p-value of 0.004, and the Back Pain Functional Scale had a p-value of 0.001. The paired t-tests for the SF-36 domains in the neural Neural Dynamic Mobilization group showed a (p < 0.05), suggesting a significant difference. However, in the Pilates Exercises group, the paired t-tests for the SF-36 domains resulted in a (p > 0.05), indicating no significant difference.

Conclusion: The study concluded that participants who underwent neural mobilization experienced greater improvement in pain, flexibility and Quality of life compared to those who practiced Pilates exercise in Sciatica.