Objectives:

To test the effect of adding neural mobilization (NM) versus myofascial release (MFR) to stabilization exercises (SE) on disability, pain, and lumbar range of motion (ROM) in patients with lumbar spine fusion (LSF).

Design:

A single blinded, Parallel groups, randomized controlled trial.

Settings:

Outpatient public and governmental hospitals Clinics.

Participants:

Sixty patients who have undergone lumbar spine fusion were randomly assigned into three equal groups.

Intervention:

Group (I) received neural mobilization plus stabilization exercises, group (II) received myofascial release and stabilization exercises, and group (III) received stabilization exercises only. Each group received 3 visits a week for four weeks.

Main outcome measures:

Oswestry disability index (ODI), visual analogue scale (VAS), and back range of motion device (BROM) were assessed before starting treatment, after finishing treatment and one month later as a follow up.

Results:

There were Statistically significant differences among the groups regarding the ODI and pain (P<0.05) in favor of the study groups, but no statistically significant differences were found among groups regarding the BROM outcome (P>0.05). Regarding the within-group effect, statistically significant differences were found in all outcomes after 1 month of treatment, as well as, after 1 month of follow up in each group(P>0.05).

Conclusion:

Patients who received NM or MFR combined with SE had better improvement, in favor of the NM group, regarding disability and pain than patients who received SE alone after LSF. No differences were found among the groups regarding lumbar ROM.