The effect of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization in lumbar disc herniation: A randomized controlled trial.

Aim: To investigate the effect of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization technique on pain, joint range of motion, functionality and quality of life in patients with lumbar disc herniation.

Methods: This is a double blinded, randomized controlled trial. A total of 60 patients were randomly allocated to either an experimental group [n = 30, age = 46.33 ± 12.96 years] or a control group [n = 30, age = 57.03 ± 9.64 years]. The experimental group received instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization [3 consecutive days a week for 4 weeks] in addition to conventional physiotherapy [five days a week for 4 weeks]. The control group only received the conventional physiotherapy [five days a week for 4 weeks]. Pain intensity, range of motion of the lumbar spine (flexion, extension, lateral flexion), functional disability related to low back pain and quality of life were assessed at the beginning and end of the study.

Results: The experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in the range of motion in lumbar area (flexion, extension and lateral flexion values) compared to that shown in the control group (p < 0.05). The mean differences in Oswestry disability index were significantly better in experimental group than in the control group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of pain and quality of life (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization, in addition to conservative treatment, can improve range of motion in lumbar area and reduce functional disability in patients with Lumbar Region Disc Herniations.