Clinical Trial Details
— Status: Completed
Administrative data
NCT number |
NCT05313217 |
Other study ID # |
PRO20220124 |
Secondary ID |
|
Status |
Completed |
Phase |
N/A
|
First received |
|
Last updated |
|
Start date |
March 28, 2022 |
Est. completion date |
July 31, 2022 |
Study information
Verified date |
May 2023 |
Source |
University of Hartford |
Contact |
n/a |
Is FDA regulated |
No |
Health authority |
|
Study type |
Interventional
|
Clinical Trial Summary
The purpose of this research study is to see if there is a relationship between the tightness
of the hamstring muscles (muscles on the back of the thighs), reported sensations related to
stretch of the nerves of the lower extremity, and different positions of participants' backs.
We will investigate the qualitative differences as provided verbally by participants
(sensation felt at maximum knee extension angle) and quantitative differences as provided by
surface electromyographic (EMG) measurements of hamstring activity and inclinometer measures
of the knee angle.
Description:
The Slump Test, introduced by Maitland in 1978, has been a clinical staple for determining
adverse neural tension or altered neurodynamics and neurosensitivity related to intradiscal
derangement or stenotic narrowing of the lumbar spine. The slump test is a highly reliable,
common clinical tool used to assess neural tissue mechanosensitivity in patients with both
spinal and lower limb pain. However, it is unclear if the slump test can be used to
differentiate between those with true adverse neural tension compared to those with
neurosensitivity due to compression of the neuroforaminal interface. The positioning of the
slump test places maximal tension on the neural tissues both caudally and cranially, either
reducing knee extension angle (KEA) in the affected side as opposed to the unaffected side,
provoking radicular symptoms, or both. Hall's research found that there was mechanical
activity in the hamstring muscles that came on with neural tension testing. This finding can
be used to objectively assess when a participant is at their peak tolerable limit of neural
tension in specific trunk positions during the slump test. Observation and clinical
experience suggest there may be a subset of individuals who have increased neural tension in
the slump test during spinal extension (shortening of the nerves) as opposed to flexion
(stretch of the nerves). To date, there has been little research that has objectively
demonstrated how trunk position affects neural tension during the slump test. Our research
aims to determine if there is a difference in patient reported symptoms and hamstring
activity between trunk flexion and extension during the slump test with healthy, younger
individuals with no recent history of low back pain (LBP) or related symptoms. We expect to
find a difference in range of motion (ROM), symptoms, and hamstring activity when the slump
test is done in spinal flexion as opposed to spinal extension. This research will help to
establish the prevalence of greater sensitivity in the extended vs flexed posture and
establish a normative set of symptoms as described by healthy individuals.