Effect of Mckenzie lumbar extension exercise with TENS on lumbar radiculopathy

Abstract

Introduction and Aim: This study was aimed to investigate the impact of TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) along with Mckenzie lumbar extension exercise on patients with lumbar radiculopathy. The objective is to compare the effect of TENS with Mckenzie exercise and control group. The study assessed pain levels, radicular pain through SLR (Straight Leg Raise) test, disability using RMDQ (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire), and spine range of motion (ROM) using MMST (Modified Modified Schober Test). Pre-test and post-test measurements were collected and compared to determine any differences.   Methodology: The study included a total of 50 male and female patients aged between 31 and 40 years, all of whom experienced disabling pain for a duration of 6-12 weeks. The materials used for the assessment included an inch tape for measuring lumbar spine ROM, a goniometer for SLR, and a belt.   Results: After the 6-week program, the findings revealed a significant reduction in pain levels, improved SLR, enhanced lumbar spine ROM, and decreased disability among the participants. Paired t-test showed significant differences in post-test values and independent t-test revealed significant post-test values in the experimental group than the control group at p<0.05.   Conclusion: The group of patients with lumbar radiculopathy who received TENS combined with Mckenzie exercise demonstrated superior outcomes in terms of pain reduction, SLR improvement, MODI (Modified Oswestry Disability Index) scores, and RMQ (Roland Morris Questionnaire) scores compared to the group treated with general exercise and TENS.