Which exercise works best for a slipped disc? a Head-to-Head trial puts two methods to the test
NCT ID NCT07730502
First seen Jul 28, 2026 · Last updated Jul 29, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This trial compares two exercise programs—McKenzie extension exercises versus core stability exercises—each combined with spinal decompression therapy, in adults with disc-related low back pain and leg pain. Forty-two participants aged 25 to 45 with a confirmed disc bulge will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups for four weeks of treatment. The goal is to see which combination better reduces pain, improves function, and increases mobility.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- McKenzie extension exercises or core stability exercises, each combined with spinal decompression therapy
- What this could lead to
- If one approach proves superior, it could give physiotherapists a clearer, evidence-based choice for treating disc-related back and leg pain.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage trial with only 42 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The four-week follow-up is short, and long-term benefits remain unknown.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
42 people
The number who actually took part.
- Started
-
Jan 2026
- Finished
-
Jul 2026
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
25 to 45 years
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 25-45 years (both males and females) * MRI-confirmed posterolateral disc bulge * Pain intensity greater than 3 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) with radiculopathy * Positive Straight Leg Raise (SLR) test Exclusion Criteria: * History of spinal surgery or significant spinal trauma * Increased kyphosis or active infectious disease * Pregnancy, scoliosis, or systemic inflammatory conditions * Cognitive impairments that may interfere with participation or assessment
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Discogenic low back pain are added.
Genom att skicka in godkänner du våra Användarvillkor
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Max Spine Rehab Center, Max Health Hospital
Islamabad, Pakistan
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.