Sciatic NerveNCT05313217
Spine Position and Neural Sensitivity
A study testing Knee extension angle, Straight Leg Raise and Slump Test in people with Sciatic Nerve and Postural Lordosis, run by University of Hartford at 1 site in United States.
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. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 65 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Sciatic Nerve, Postural Lordosis, Nerve Pain
- What is being tested?
- Knee extension angle, Straight Leg Raise and Slump Test
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 40 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 28 Mar 2022to 31 Jul 2022
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- None posted in the registry
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 65 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 without low back pain.
Who cannot join
- Known previous diagnoses of sciatica or disc herniation
- Diagnosis of scoliosis
- History of pain in the low back or back of the leg
- History of back surgeries
- Any recent hamstring injuries
- Any recent fractures
Show all 20Show fewer
- History of osteoporosis
- Have feeling of pins and needles down the leg
- Have a known nervous system disorder
- Have a known systemic inflammatory condition
- Have Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Known history of cardiovascular issues
- Have a known connective tissue disorder
- Bowel/bladder issues
- Are or may be pregnant
- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus
- Active/history of cancer
- Allergy to adhesives
- Are actively involved in a lawsuit regarding personal bodily injury or receiving workman's compensation
- Currently taking/have recently taken antibiotics known as fluoroquinolones (ie. Cipro, Levaquin, Noroxin)
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
University of Hartford
West Hartford, Connecticut, 06117
About this study
Official title: The Influence of Spine Position on Measures of Lower Extremity Neural Sensitivity
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.
Read the detailed 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.
- Conditions
- Sciatic Nerve, Postural Lordosis, Nerve Pain
- Being tested
- Knee extension angle, Straight Leg Raise, Slump Test, Extended slump test
- Medical subject headings
- Neuralgia
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Knee extension angleDiagnostic test
Also called KEA
Knee Extension Angle (KEA):
- This test will be administered with an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) maintaining the participants ankle in neutral.
- The participant will lie supine on the examination table with the contralateral lower extremity (LE) stabilized on the support surface using a mobilization strap.
- The hip of the lower being examined will be flexed to 90 degrees.
- The participant will then actively straighten their lower leg while maintaining upper leg in same position
- Once the participant feels they are at maximal knee extension (patient instructed to straighten leg as far as what is comfortable), the angle will be measured with iPhone Inclinometer.
- Participant asked to report any symptoms they are feeling and where (recorded for qualitative analysis)
Straight Leg RaiseDiagnostic test
Also called SLR
Straight Leg Raise (SLR):
- Position the participant in supine on the plinth with knees extended and L LE strapped to the plinth
- The participant will keep the AFO donned on the R distal ankle to keep the ankle in neutral position.
- A researcher will passively lift the participant's right leg moving at a slow but consistent pace of approximately 15 degrees per second, while keeping it straight until a significant resistance is detected or the participant reports a production of symptoms, whichever occurs first.
- Measurement of the SLR angle will be assessed with iPhone inclinometer.
- Participant asked to report any symptoms they are feeling and where (recorded for qualitative analysis)
Slump TestDiagnostic test
Slump Test Procedure:
- Participant will be instructed to sit upright with their legs over the edge of table
- AFO remains on R leg
- Participant will sequentially flex trunk, look down at the floor
- Participant will extend R knee until symptoms are felt. Measure of angle with iPhone inclinometer placed at superior aspect of medial malleolus
- Participant asked to report any symptoms they are feeling and where (recorded for qualitative analysis)
Extended slump testDiagnostic test
Extended Slump Procedure:
- Participant will be instructed to sit upright with their legs over the edge of table
- AFO remains on R leg
- Participant is asked to arch their lower back into maximal extension in sitting, stabilized to research bench to maintain hyper-lordosis posture.
- The participant is asked first flex cervical spine, then to extend their knee until it reaches full ROM or symptoms are felt that limit ROM.
- Knee extension ROM is assessed with iPhone inclinometer at superior aspect of medial malleolus.
- Participant asked to report any symptoms they are feeling and where (recorded for qualitative analysis)
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| neural tension testing | Experimental | All participants in this arm will undergo four tests: KEA, SLR, Slump, and Extended Slump Receives: Diagnostic Test: Knee extension angle; Diagnostic Test: Straight Leg Raise; Diagnostic Test: Slump Test; Diagnostic Test: Extended slump test |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Knee Extension Angle
A measurement of the degree of knee extension achieved during the KEA, Slump, and extended slump tests
Measured: single testing session at enrollment
Secondary outcomes (2)
EMG activity, biceps femoris
surface EMG activity of the biceps femoris during KEA, SLR, slump, and extended slump referenced to hamstring maximal voluntary isometric contraction
Measured: single session at enrollment
qualitative data- extent, nature, and intensity of pain
for each test, the most distal extent of symptoms and intensity on the 11 point numeric pain rating scale will be collected. Participants will be asked to describe the nature of the symptoms experienced during the test (e.g. stretch, pain, pull, tingle, etc)
Measured: single testing session at enrollment
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted6 Apr 2022
- Study start28 Mar 2022
- Primary completion31 Jul 2022
- Study completion31 Jul 2022
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (1)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Sciatic NerveStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Model description
- Quasi-experimental single group laboratory study
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Hartford
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Brian Swanson, PT, DSc, Principal investigator, University of Hartford
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05313217
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- PRO20220124
- Status last verified
- May 2023
- First submitted
- 28 Mar 2022
- Last updated
- 10 May 2023
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: Data will be shared upon request following completion of this study
Publications
Swanson B, McCarthy J, Clark E, Norman O, Wilson O. The influence of spine position on measures of lower extremity neural sensitivity. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2026 Jan;39(1):266-275. doi: 10.1177/10538127251370575. Epub 2025 Aug 21.
PubMed 40836858
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 10 May 2023. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- The Influence of Spine Position on Measures of Lower Extremity Neural Sensitivity
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT05313217
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- PRO20220124
- Conditions
- Sciatic Nerve, Postural Lordosis, Nerve Pain
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 40 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- University of HartfordUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 28 Mar 2022 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 31 Jul 2022 (actual)
- Study completion
- 31 Jul 2022 (actual)
- First posted
- 6 Apr 2022 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
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.
Detailed 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.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Basic science
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
- Model description
- Quasi-experimental single group laboratory study
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| neural tension testing | Experimental | Diagnostic Test: Knee extension angle, Diagnostic Test: Straight Leg Raise, Diagnostic Test: Slump Test, Diagnostic Test: Extended slump testAll participants in this arm will undergo four tests: KEA, SLR, Slump, and Extended Slump |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 65 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- healthy individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 without low back pain.
Key exclusion criteria (20 listed)
- Known previous diagnoses of sciatica or disc herniation
- Diagnosis of scoliosis
- History of pain in the low back or back of the leg
- History of back surgeries
- Any recent hamstring injuries
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Knee extension angleAlso: KEAKnee Extension Angle (KEA): * This test will be administered with an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) maintaining the participants ankle in neutral. * The participant will lie supine on the examination table with the contralateral lower extremity (LE) stabilized on the support surface using a mobilization strap. * The hip of the lower being examined will be flexed to 90 degrees. * The participant will then actively straighten their lower leg while maintaining upper leg in same position * Once the participant feels they are at maximal knee extension (patient instructed to straighten leg as far as what is comfortable), the angle will be measured with iPhone Inclinometer. * Participant asked to report any symptoms they are feeling and where (recorded for qualitative analysis) | Diagnostic test | neural tension testing |
| Straight Leg RaiseAlso: SLRStraight Leg Raise (SLR): * Position the participant in supine on the plinth with knees extended and L LE strapped to the plinth * The participant will keep the AFO donned on the R distal ankle to keep the ankle in neutral position. * A researcher will passively lift the participant's right leg moving at a slow but consistent pace of approximately 15 degrees per second, while keeping it straight until a significant resistance is detected or the participant reports a production of symptoms, whichever occurs first. * Measurement of the SLR angle will be assessed with iPhone inclinometer. * Participant asked to report any symptoms they are feeling and where (recorded for qualitative analysis) | Diagnostic test | neural tension testing |
| Slump TestSlump Test Procedure: * Participant will be instructed to sit upright with their legs over the edge of table * AFO remains on R leg * Participant will sequentially flex trunk, look down at the floor * Participant will extend R knee until symptoms are felt. Measure of angle with iPhone inclinometer placed at superior aspect of medial malleolus * Participant asked to report any symptoms they are feeling and where (recorded for qualitative analysis) | Diagnostic test | neural tension testing |
| Extended slump testExtended Slump Procedure: * Participant will be instructed to sit upright with their legs over the edge of table * AFO remains on R leg * Participant is asked to arch their lower back into maximal extension in sitting, stabilized to research bench to maintain hyper-lordosis posture. * The participant is asked first flex cervical spine, then to extend their knee until it reaches full ROM or symptoms are felt that limit ROM. * Knee extension ROM is assessed with iPhone inclinometer at superior aspect of medial malleolus. * Participant asked to report any symptoms they are feeling and where (recorded for qualitative analysis) | Diagnostic test | neural tension testing |
Primary outcome
Knee Extension Angle
Time frame: single testing session at enrollment
A measurement of the degree of knee extension achieved during the KEA, Slump, and extended slump tests
2 secondary outcomes
EMG activity, biceps femoris
Time frame: single session at enrollment
qualitative data- extent, nature, and intensity of pain
Time frame: single testing session at enrollment
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 10 May 2023.
- Derived from this study: PubMed 40836858Swanson B, McCarthy J, Clark E, Norman O, Wilson O. The influence of spine position on measures of lower extremity neural sensitivity. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2026 Jan;39(1):266-275. doi: 10.1177/10538127251370575. Epub 2025 Aug 21.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. Data will be shared upon request following completion of this study
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
Brian Swanson, PT, DSc principal investigator
University of Hartford
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Knee extension angle, Straight Leg Raise and Slump Test in people with Sciatic Nerve and Postural Lordosis, run by University of Hartford at 1 site in United States.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 20 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 10 May 2023. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Knee Extension Angle (time frame: single testing session at enrollment). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05313217, which also lists 1 linked publication.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 10 May 2023.