Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Flexion-Distraction Technique
Sponsor: Istanbul Medipol University Hospital
Summary
This prospective, two-center, non-randomized controlled study compared the effects of conventional physical therapy (CPT) and Cox flexion-distraction therapy (CFT) on pain, lumbar range of motion, disability, and health-related quality of life in patients with lumbar disc herniation (LDH). The study included adults aged 30-60 years diagnosed with L4-L5 lumbar disc herniation who received treatment at Bursa VM Medical Park Hospital or Nilüfer Spine Health Center in Türkiye. Participants were allocated to treatment groups according to their preferred treatment centers, without randomization. A total of 68 participants were enrolled, and 66 were included in the final analysis (32 in the CFT group and 34 in the CPT group). Both groups received treatment three times per week for four weeks. The CPT group received therapeutic ultrasound, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), superficial heat application, and home exercises. The CFT group received Cox flexion-distraction therapy, superficial heat application, and home exercises. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), disability using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), lumbar range of motion using a standard goniometer, and health-related quality of life using the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36). The study evaluated clinical outcomes associated with these two conservative treatment approaches, taking into account the non-randomized nature of treatment allocation.
Official title: Comparative Effects of Cox Flexion-Distraction Therapy and Conventional Physical Therapy on Pain, Lumbar Range of Motion, Disability, and Quality of Life in Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation: A Prospective Controlled Study
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
30 Years - 60 Years
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
68
Start Date
2025-04-02
Completion Date
2026-01-20
Last Updated
2026-10-29
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
exercise
Participants in both treatment groups performed the same therapeutic exercise programme, including pelvic tilt, hip-flexor stretching, hamstring stretching, cat-camel exercises, bridging, and straight-leg-raise exercises. Each exercise was performed for 10 repetitions. The programme was administered alongside the group-specific interventions three times per week for four weeks (12 sessions).
Cox flexion-distraction therapy
Cox flexion-distraction therapy was performed on a specialized table with participants in the prone position. Controlled flexion-distraction movements were applied to the lumbar spine in sets of five slow cycles, with 3-5 sets per symptomatic segment and 20-30 seconds of rest between sets. The distraction distance was progressively adjusted according to participant tolerance. Each session included approximately 10 minutes of Cox therapy, 15 minutes of hot-pack application, and therapeutic exercises. Treatment was administered three times per week for four weeks (12 sessions).
Locations (2)
Bursa VM Medical Park Hospital
Bursa, Turkey (Türkiye)
Nilüfer Spine Health Center
Bursa, Turkey (Türkiye)