DefinePK

Research Objective

To compare the effect of lumbar spine decompression therapy and standard physical therapy treatment in patients with lumbar radiculopathy due to disc protrusion.

Methodology

A single-blind randomized control trial was conducted with 71 patients. Patients were randomly allocated into a treatment group (decompression therapy + standard physical therapy) and a control group (standard physical therapy). Standard physical therapy included Moist Hot Pack, Lumbar Mobilization, Stretching, and strengthening exercises. The decompression group received additional decompression therapy. Data collected included demographics, Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for leg pain, and Straight Leg Raise (SLR) Range.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Recruit 71 Patients"] --> B["Random Allocation"];
    B --> C["Decompression Group Decompression + Standard PT"];
    B --> D["Control Group Standard PT"];
    C --> E["Administer Treatments"];
    D --> E;
    E --> F["Collect Data NPRS, SLR"];
    F --> G["Analyze Data"];
    G --> H["Compare Group Outcomes"];
    H --> I["Conclusion"];                    

Discussion

The study suggests that while standard physical therapy is effective, the addition of decompression therapy is more effective in managing lumbar radiculopathy due to disc protrusion, leading to greater reductions in leg pain and improvements in straight leg raise range of motion. This aligns with previous research indicating the benefits of spinal traction and decompression therapy for lumbar disc pathology.

Key Findings

Both groups showed statistically significant improvements in leg pain and SLR range of motion (p < .001). However, the decompression group demonstrated greater improvement in both variables compared to the control group. Leg pain decreased from 6 to 2 in the decompression group and from 6 to 3 in the control group. SLR range increased from 10° to 58° in the decompression group and from 15° to 49° in the control group.

Conclusion

Additional decompression therapy is more effective in managing leg pain and straight leg raise range of motion in patients with radicular pain due to lumbar disc protrusion compared to standard physical therapy alone.

Fact Check

1. Number of Participants: The study involved 71 patients.
2. P-value for Improvement: The p-value for both leg pain and SLR range of motion improvements within each group was < .001, indicating statistical significance.
3. Decompression Group Leg Pain Reduction: Leg pain in the decompression group decreased from a pre-treatment score of 6 to a post-treatment score of 2.

Mind Map