International Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences

Abstract
Background: Chronic low back pain is a common problem in the present time. It is commonly associated with altered mechanical tension in the peripheral nerves as tested by straight leg raising or slump tests. These maneuvers are used for treatment of such disorders. Both the straight leg raise and slump stretching techniques have been found to be beneficial in the treatment of low back pain with distal symptoms. A comparison of the two techniques will determine if one technique is better than the other. Also, it will add to the evidence for their effectiveness in managing symptoms in patients with low back pain.
Objective: To evaluate the comparative effectiveness of straight leg raise and slump stretching on pain and range of passive straight leg raise in subjects with low back pain.
Methods and measures: 50 patients with low back pain, satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly assigned to three groups. Group 1 was the straight leg raise group (n=15). Group 2 was the slump group (n=13). Group 3 was the control group (n=12). Baseline measurements of pain intensity as measured by the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and range of passive straight leg raise (PSLR) were taken. Group 1 received 6 sessions of straight leg raise stretching and lumbar stabilization exercises. Group 2 received 6 sessions of slump stretching and lumbar stabilization exercises. Group 3 received 6 sessions of lumbar stabilization exercises only.
Statistical analysis: Paired t-test was used for within group analysis of NPRS and PSLR. ANOVA followed by post hoc analysis was employed for between group comparisons.
Results: No significant difference was found in NPRS between straight leg raise and slump groups (p > 0.05) while they differed significantly in PSLR (p < 0.05). Both the groups showed significantly better results in PSLR when compared to the control group (P<0.05). Statistically significant improvements were found in all the 3 groups for both the outcome measures in comparison to the baseline (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: From the results of the study, it can be concluded that both straight leg raise and slump stretching are equally effective in reducing pain in patients with low back pain with associated adverse neural tension. Slump stretching is better than straight leg raise stretching in improving the range of passive straight leg raise. Based on patient needs, a treatment program may be formulated using any one or both the techniques. They may be added to conventional treatment protocols as they are better in improving range of passive straight leg raise.