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Back extension exercises decompress the spinal root and improve standing mobility in patients with sub-acute lumbosacral radiculopathy

Abstract Purpose: Repeated back extension exercises (RBEEs) have been reported to cause changes in the distribution and intensity of radicular symptoms. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of RBEEs on the neurophysiology of the compromised nerve root and on standing mobility and pain intensity in patients with sub-acute and chronic lumbosacral radiculopathy (LSR). Subjects and methods: A total of 40 patients with unilateral sub-acute/chronic LSR voluntarily participated in the study; the patients performed three sets of 10 RBEEs in the prone position with 1 min of rest between the sets. The soleus H-reflex, standing mobility, and pain intensity were recorded before and after the RBEEs. Results: The results of the study showed that the RBEEs significantly improved the H-reflex, standing mobility, and pain intensity in patients with sub-acute LSR (p < .01); there was not a significant improvement in the patients with chronic LSR (p < .61). Conclusion: RBEEs in the prone position are recommended for improving the neurophysiological function of the compromised nerve root and standing mobility in patients with sub-acute LSR.