Differentiation of Reduced Sciatic Nerve Gliding in Patients with Nonspecific Low Back Pain by the Slump Test

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to clarify whether or not sciatic nerve gliding decrease can be differentiated in patients with nonspecific low back pain by the slump test. [Participants and Methods] Nonspecific low back pain patients were classified into a negative group (n=24) and a positive group (n=14) by the slump test, and the sciatic nerve gliding distance was compared between the 2 groups and a healthy group of 20 persons. [Results] The sciatic nerve gliding distance was significantly lower in the positive group than in the healthy group, but there was no significant difference between the negative group and the positive group. [Conclusion] A positive slump test in nonspecific low back pain suggests that sciatic nerve gliding may be reduced.