Short-Term Effects of Mulligan SNAGs Versus Soft Tissue Mobilization in Patients with Sub-Acute Non-Specific Low Back Pain

Abstract

Background: Low back pain is the most common health-related problem. Worldwide, one out of three people suffered from low back pain.  Currently, the low back dispute is the most common grumble of the functioning age community. The use of mulligan sustained natural epiphyseal glides (SNAGs) as well as soft tissue mobilization is thought to reduce pain, increase range of motion and improve kinesiophobia level. Objective: This study was aimed at finding the short-term effects of Mulligan SNAGs versus Soft tissue mobilization on pain, range of motion and the kinesiophobia level. Methods: It was a quasi-experimental study conducted at Mumtaz Hospital, MuzzafarGarh and Shan-e-Lateef Medical and Surgical HospitalMuzzafarGarh from February 20, 2023, to June 30, 2023. Mulligan SNAGs were given in group A and soft tissue mobilization group in group B. The numeric pain rating scale, range of motion with goniometry and Tampa scale were used for the estimation of outcomes of the study. A total of five sessions were given to each group. Descriptive data was presented as frequency and percentages. Mann Whitney U test was applied. The p-value less or equal to 0.05 was taken as significant. Results: There were a total of 77 participants having sub-acute non-specific low back pain. The mean age of participants was 40.81±39.38 in Mulligan SNAGs and soft tissue mobilization groups respectively. Pain reduction (NPRS mean value after treatment 28.05 and 32.67, increased range of motion (lumbar flexion mean value 50.75 and 42.55), lumbar extension 58.10 and 52.33 and improved kinesiophobia level (Tampa mean value 30.66 and 34.16) respectively in Mulligan SNAGs group and soft tissue mobilization group. Mulligan SNAGs with a p-value of 0.001 showed more significance as compared to the soft tissue mobilization group with a p-value of 0.01. Conclusion: Both Mulligan SNAGs and soft tissue mobilization presented with a reduction of pain, increased range of motion and reduction of kinesiophobia level but more significant effects were in Mulligan SNAGs as compared to soft tissue mobilization.