The Effect of Mulligan Traction Straight Leg Raise on Changes in Range of Motion (ROM) and Pain in Patients with Low Back Pain

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a musculoskeletal condition that often causes limited mobility and increased pain intensity. Manual interventions such as the Mulligan Traction Straight Leg Raise (TSLR) are used to address impaired posterior tissue mobility and neurodynamic tension that contribute to limited range of motion (ROM) and pain. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of Mulligan Traction Straight Leg Raise (TSLR) on changes in range of motion (ROM) and pain levels in individuals with low back pain (LBP). Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design using a one-group pretest–posttest approach with total sampling, involving 23 respondents who met the inclusion criteria. Baseline assessments included measurements of range of motion (ROM) using a goniometer and pain intensity using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). The intervention consisted of the Mulligan Traction Straight Leg Raise (TSLR), administered twice per week for a total of six sessions. Following the intervention period, ROM and pain were reassessed using the same instruments to evaluate changes from pretest to posttest. The Wilcoxon test was used to analyze differences before and after treatment. This study was conducted at Bhayangkara Hospital Makassar from April to October 2025. Results: The findings revealed a significant improvement in range of motion (ROM), increasing from a mean value of 68.48 ± 11.62 at pretest to 82.83 ± 11.85 at posttest (p = 0.000). In addition, pain intensity showed a marked reduction, decreasing from an average score of 8.13 ± 1.55 to 4.13 ± 0.92 following the intervention (p = 0.000). Conclusion: Mulligan TSLR administration has been shown to be effective in increasing ROM and reducing pain in people with low back pain. This technique can be recommended as a practical and clinically relevant intervention option in a physiotherapy rehabilitation program