Background: Virtual reality (VR) is used extensively for musculoskeletal conditions, but its efficacy in chronic low back pain still needs more investigation. Objective: To discuss the effectiveness of VR on selected outcomes in Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Pain (CNSLBP). Methods: Thirty-five patients with CNSLBP joined this study. Postural correction exercises using the TBed VR gaming system in addition to hamstring stretching were employed, and moist heat on the low back was applied. Pre- and post-intervention values of pain, ROM, function, and balance (overall stability index) were obtained using the numerical rating pain scale (NPRS), Oswestry Disability Index, back range of motion (BROM), and Biodex system. Satisfaction level on a 1–10 scale and the degree of commitment to the exercise sessions were assessed after the intervention. Results: The patients completed the intervention period and outcome measures sessions. Paired t-tests reported statistically significant improvements and high effect size in pain, ROM, function, and balance after the end of the treatment (p < 0.001, Cohen’s d > 0.69). The level of satisfaction was 9.25 ± 0.766, and the commitment to exercise sessions was high (98.75% attendance rate). Conclusions: Applying postural correction using TBed VR gaming in addition to heat and stretching may improve pain, range of motion, function, and balance in patients with chronic low back pain.

(1) Background: Running is one of many sports that have increased in popularity since it can be conducted at any time or anywhere. Ankle instability is a common injury that usually occurs during running and is usually associated with abnormalities in postural stability. Recently, kinesio taping has gained increasing interest as a tool that can be used in rehabilitation, to improve stability, and to help in injury prevention. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Kinesio taping on balance and dynamic stability in recreational runners with ankle instability. (2) Methods: This randomized controlled trial recruited 90 RRs with ankle instability. The participants were randomly divided into three equal groups: a KT group (KTG) who received Kinesio taping on their ankle joints; a mixed group (MG) who received Kinesio taping and exercises; and an exercise group (EG) who received exercises only. Outcome measures (balance and dynamic stability) were assessed before and after the end of an 8-week treatment program using a Biodex balance system and a star excursion balance test, respectively. (3) Results: Within-group comparisons showed statistically significant improvements in most of the outcome values when compared to baseline. Overall stability index was statistically significantly better (with a high effect size) in the MG compared to KTG or EG (p = 0.01, Cohen’s d = 1.6, and p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.63, respectively). A similar finding was evident in the anteroposterior stability index (p = 0.02, Cohen’s d = 0.95, and p < 0.001, Cohen’s d = 1.22, respectively). The mediolateral stability index of the KTG was statistically significantly better with a high effect size when compared to MG or EG (p = 0.04, Cohen’s d = 0.6, and p < 0.01, Cohen’s d = 0.96, respectively). The star excursion balance test values were statistically significant with high effect sizes in the posterior (p = 0.002, Cohen’s d = 1.2) and lateral (p < 0.02, Cohen’s d = 0.92) directions in the MG compared to KTG and EG. (4) Conclusions: Kinesiotape with exercises is superior to either kinesiotape alone or exercises alone in improving postural stability indices and dynamic stability in recreational runners with ankle instability. Recreational runners with ankle instability should be educated about practicing balance exercises and applying kinesiotape.

Background: The Mulligan techniques address lumbar disc lesions and related dysfunctions. However, the current body of evidence of its effectiveness remains limited. Aims: To assess the effectiveness of the Mulligan concept on pain alleviation, range of motion, function, and flexibility in patients with sciatica. Methods: This meta-analysis included randomized controlled trials that applied Mulligan techniques to patients with sciatica and assessed outcomes such as pain, range of motion, function, or flexibility. We searched six electronic databases to identify the relevant trials. The methodological quality of the studies was evaluated using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment. Results: A total of 21 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in this study. Three primary Mulligan techniques were performed: spinal mobilization with leg movement (SMWLM), bent leg raise (BLR), and traction straight leg raise (TSLR). In this review, seven trials exhibited a high to moderate risk of bias, while the remaining trials demonstrated a low risk of bias. The analysis revealed that SMWLG could be beneficial in improving pain (standardized mean difference [SMD] = −0.58, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.82 to −0.33, p < .001) and function (SMD = −1.02, 95% CI = −1.87 to −0.17, p = .02). Additionally, BLR showed potential benefits in improving flexibility, particularly when combined with standard treatment (SMD = 0.59, 95% CI = 0.30 to 0.88, p < .001). Conclusions: SMWLG demonstrates greater improvements in pain and function compared to other Mulligan techniques in patients with sciatica. However, the limited number of trials and the overall low quality of the existing literature highlight the need for future high-quality research that encompasses all related Mulligan techniques.

Background: Lumbar nerve root compression is a pathological condition that occurs commonly in the low back pain population. Passive straight leg raise (SLR) is a clinical test widely used to confirm this pathological condition. Yet, its diagnostic accuracy needs further investigation. Objective: To assess the sensitivity and specificity of the passive SLR test in detecting compression of the lower lumbar nerve roots using magnetic resonance imaging as a reference standard. Design: This study is a prospective diagnostic-accuracy study. Methods: One hundred-and-twelve participants (82 males and 30 females) met the inclusion criteria and joined the study. Participants were recruited through direct communication and poster announcement and allocated into positive and negative MRI groups. A standardized passive SLR test was applied to all participants; then 2 X 2 cross-tabulation statistics were conducted to determine the sensitivity and specificity. Results: The passive SLR test was considered positive in 62 (56.36%) participants while it was negative in 50 (45.45%) participants. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative likelihood ratios were found to be 77.1%., 81.0%, 6.75, and 0.47 respectively. The diagnostic accuracy was found to be 80.95%. ROC curve revealed positive fair sensitivity and specificity of the test with the area under the curve equal to 0.775. Conclusion: The passive SLR test is a useful tool for the diagnosis of lower lumbar nerve root compression.

Background: Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) with lumbar hyperlordosis leads to pain, dysfunction, and poor quality of life. Virtual reality (VR)-based training may enhance exercise engagement and outcomes. This study compared VR-based pelvic rocking training with conventional pelvic rocking training exercises. Methods: A triple-blind randomized controlled trial enrolled 100 participants with CNLBP and hyperlordosis, who were randomly allocated into two groups: the group, which performed pelvic rocking exercises using the TBed VR system (TbG), and the conventional group (CG), which performed the same exercises without VR. Both groups completed three sessions per week for eight weeks. Primary outcomes included pain (Numerical Pain Rating Scale, NPRS), lumbar lordotic angle (LLA), lumbar range of motion (ROM), and functional disability (Oswestry Disability Index, ODI). Secondary outcomes were patient satisfaction and commitment to exercise sessions. Assessments were conducted at baseline, immediately post-intervention, and after a one-month follow-up. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in all outcome measures post-treatment (p < 0.016). Furthermore, some outcomes—specifically pain, LLA, and extension ROM—continued to improve during the follow-up period. The TbG demonstrated significantly greater reductions in pain, greater ROM improvements, greater functional gains, and higher levels of satisfaction and commitment than the CG (p < 0.05). These between-group differences persisted at the one-month follow-up, particularly for pain and ROM, which remained statistically significantly better in the TbG. Moreover, all between-group differences demonstrated medium to high clinical effects (d ≥ 0.3). Conclusions: Pelvic rocking exercises using the TBed VR system were superior to conventional exercises in terms of pain, ROM, and function at the immediate and intermediate time points. Using TBed led to better patient satisfaction and higher exercise commitment.