RadiculopathyMIRROR-LRNCT07558993
Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises Versus Conservative Physiotherapy for Lumbar Radiculopathy
A study testing Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises and Conservative Physiotherapy in people with Radiculopathy and Radiculopathy Lumbar, run by University of Sharjah at 1 site in United Arab Emirates.
Trial summary
Lumbar radiculopathy is a common condition caused by irritation or compression of a lumbar nerve root, often resulting in radiating leg pain, numbness, weakness, and functional limitation. Conservative physiotherapy is commonly used as first-line treatment, but outcomes vary among patients. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Radiculopathy, Radiculopathy Lumbar, Sciatica
- What is being tested?
- Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises and Conservative Physiotherapy
- Type of treatment
- Lifestyle or therapy programme
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 64 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited Arab Emirates
- Study dates
- 1 Sep 2026to 30 Sep 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 18 years or older. Clinical diagnosis of unilateral lumbar radiculopathy. Presence of at least two of the following: dermatomal radiating leg pain, neurological deficit, positive neural tension test.
- MRI-confirmed lumbar nerve root compression or irritation consistent with symptoms.
- Pain intensity of 3/10 or greater. Able to undergo MRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). Able to understand study procedures and provide written informed consent.
Who cannot join
- Previous lumbar spine surgery. Bilateral radiculopathy or unclear diagnosis. Tumor, infection, fracture, inflammatory spinal disease, or cauda equina syndrome.
- Severe progressive neurological deficit requiring urgent treatment. Contraindications to MRI (pacemaker, incompatible implants, severe claustrophobia).
- Recent lumbar injections or surgery. Other neurological or musculoskeletal disorders affecting outcomes. Pregnancy if MRI contraindicated by local policy. Cognitive impairment or inability to follow instructions.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United Arab Emirates1 site
Al Qassimi Hospital
Sharjah city, Emirate of Sharjah
fatima A Alowais, PT, +971566663372, fatimaalowais7@gmail.com
Tamer shousha, PhD, +971562224469, tshousha@sharjah.ac.ae
About this study
Official title: Randomized, Parallel-Group, Superiority Trial of Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises Versus Conservative Physiotherapy for Lumbar Nerve Root Microstructural Integrity Assessed by Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Adults With Lumbar Radiculopathy
Lumbar radiculopathy is a common condition caused by irritation or compression of a lumbar nerve root, often resulting in radiating leg pain, numbness, weakness, and functional limitation. Conservative physiotherapy is commonly used as first-line treatment, but outcomes vary among patients.
This randomized controlled trial will compare Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises with standardized conservative physiotherapy in adults with lumbar radiculopathy. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups for 12 weeks.
Read more
The primary outcome is lumbar nerve root microstructural integrity measured using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), including Fractional Anisotropy and other diffusion parameters. Secondary outcomes include pain intensity, disability, spinal alignment, and adverse events.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether a targeted posture-correction exercise approach provides greater improvement than conventional physiotherapy.
Read the detailed description
Lumbar radiculopathy is a neuromusculoskeletal disorder commonly caused by lumbar disc herniation or foraminal stenosis leading to nerve root irritation or compression. Symptoms commonly include radiating leg pain, paresthesia, weakness, altered reflexes, and reduced physical function.
Conservative physiotherapy is recommended as first-line management and may include education, graded exercise, mobility restoration, strengthening, neural mobilization, and symptom management. However, treatment response is heterogeneous, and many patients continue to experience persistent symptoms.
Most previous rehabilitation studies have relied primarily on patient-reported outcomes such as pain and disability. These measures are clinically important but may not fully reflect biological recovery of the affected nerve root.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is an advanced magnetic resonance imaging technique that can quantify neural tissue microstructure. Parameters such as Fractional Anisotropy (FA), Mean Diffusivity (MD), Axial Diffusivity (AD), and Radial Diffusivity (RD) may provide objective markers of nerve recovery.
Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises are individualized posture-based exercises designed to move the trunk or pelvis opposite to identified alignment deviations. This approach may improve biomechanics, reduce abnormal loading, and decrease neural irritation.
This study is a prospective randomized, parallel-group, superiority trial. Eligible adults with unilateral lumbar radiculopathy will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to:
Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercise group Standardized Conservative Physiotherapy group Both groups will receive supervised treatment sessions three times per week for 12 weeks.
Primary Outcome:
Change in lumbar nerve root microstructural integrity measured by DTI at baseline and week 12.
Secondary Outcomes:
Pain intensity Disability (Oswestry Disability Index) Spinal alignment Safety outcomes and adverse events The study aims to determine whether Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises produce superior clinical and imaging outcomes compared with conservative physiotherapy.
- Conditions
- Radiculopathy, Radiculopathy Lumbar, Sciatica, Disc Disease Lumbar
- Being tested
- Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises, Conservative Physiotherapy
- Keywords
- Mirror Image Exercise, Physiotherapy, Diffusion Tensor Imaging, DTI, Conservative Physiotherapy, Low Back Pain, Nerve Root Compression, Postural Correction, Randomized Controlled Trial, Rehabilitation
- Medical subject headings
- Radiculopathy, Sciatica, Intervertebral disc disease, Low Back Pain
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Mirror Image Spine Correction ExercisesBehavioural
Participants will receive an individualized supervised exercise program based on identified postural alignment deviations. Treatment will be delivered three sessions per week for 12 weeks and may include trunk and pelvic corrective movements, mobility, stabilization, and a prescribed home exercise program.
Conservative PhysiotherapyBehavioural
Participants will receive standardized conservative physiotherapy three sessions per week for 12 weeks including education, graded exercise, mobility exercises, strengthening, neural mobilization, and clinically indicated adjunctive non-invasive techniques.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises | Experimental | Participants will receive a supervised individualized Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercise program three sessions per week for 12 weeks. Exercises will be based on postural alignment findings and include a prescribed home exercise program. Receives: Behavioral: Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises |
| Conservative Physiotherapy | Active comparator | Participants will receive standardized conservative physiotherapy three sessions per week for 12 weeks including education, graded exercise, mobility training, strengthening, and clinically indicated adjunctive techniques. Receives: Behavioral: Conservative Physiotherapy |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Lumbar Nerve Root Fractional Anisotropy
Change in lumbar nerve root microstructural integrity measured using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) Fractional Anisotropy.
Measured: Baseline and Week 12
Secondary outcomes (3)
Pain Intensity
Measured using Numeric Pain Rating Scale (0-10).
Measured: Baseline and Week 12
Spinal Alignment
Measured using digital posture analysis.
Measured: Baseline and Week 12
Additional DTI Parameters
Mean Diffusivity, Axial Diffusivity, and Radial Diffusivity.
Measured: Baseline and Week 12
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted30 Apr 2026
- Study start1 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion31 Aug 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion30 Sep 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (2)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for RadiculopathyStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to one of two parallel treatment groups: Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises or standardized conservative physiotherapy for 12 weeks.
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 64 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Sharjah
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Fatima Alowais, University of Sharjah
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07558993
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- UOS-PHD-LRDTI-2026-01
- Other IDs
- U25103971
- Acronym
- MIRROR-LR
- Status last verified
- Apr 2026
- First submitted
- 23 Apr 2026
- Last updated
- 30 Apr 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: De-identified individual participant data may be shared upon reasonable request after publication, subject to ethics approval, institutional policy, and participant confidentiality protections.
Publications
Tarulli AW, Raynor EM. Lumbosacral radiculopathy. Neurol Clin. 2007 May;25(2):387-405. doi: 10.1016/j.ncl.2007.01.008.
PubMed 17445735Rubin DI. Epidemiology and risk factors for spine pain. Neurol Clin. 2007 May;25(2):353-71. doi: 10.1016/j.ncl.2007.01.004.
PubMed 17445733
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 30 Apr 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Randomized, Parallel-Group, Superiority Trial of Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises Versus Conservative Physiotherapy for Lumbar Nerve Root Microstructural Integrity Assessed by Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Adults With Lumbar Radiculopathy
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07558993
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- MIRROR-LR / UOS-PHD-LRDTI-2026-01
- Conditions
- Radiculopathy, Radiculopathy Lumbar, Sciatica, Disc Disease Lumbar
- Keywords
- Mirror Image Exercise, Physiotherapy, Diffusion Tensor Imaging, DTI, Conservative Physiotherapy, Low Back Pain, Nerve Root Compression, Postural Correction
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 64 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of SharjahUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 Sep 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 31 Aug 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 30 Sep 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 30 Apr 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
Lumbar radiculopathy is a common condition caused by irritation or compression of a lumbar nerve root, often resulting in radiating leg pain, numbness, weakness, and functional limitation. Conservative physiotherapy is commonly used as first-line treatment, but outcomes vary among patients.
This randomized controlled trial will compare Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises with standardized conservative physiotherapy in adults with lumbar radiculopathy. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups for 12 weeks.
The primary outcome is lumbar nerve root microstructural integrity measured using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), including Fractional Anisotropy and other diffusion parameters. Secondary outcomes include pain intensity, disability, spinal alignment, and adverse events.
The purpose of this study is to determine whether a targeted posture-correction exercise approach provides greater improvement than conventional physiotherapy.
Detailed description
Lumbar radiculopathy is a neuromusculoskeletal disorder commonly caused by lumbar disc herniation or foraminal stenosis leading to nerve root irritation or compression. Symptoms commonly include radiating leg pain, paresthesia, weakness, altered reflexes, and reduced physical function.
Conservative physiotherapy is recommended as first-line management and may include education, graded exercise, mobility restoration, strengthening, neural mobilization, and symptom management. However, treatment response is heterogeneous, and many patients continue to experience persistent symptoms.
Most previous rehabilitation studies have relied primarily on patient-reported outcomes such as pain and disability. These measures are clinically important but may not fully reflect biological recovery of the affected nerve root.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) is an advanced magnetic resonance imaging technique that can quantify neural tissue microstructure. Parameters such as Fractional Anisotropy (FA), Mean Diffusivity (MD), Axial Diffusivity (AD), and Radial Diffusivity (RD) may provide objective markers of nerve recovery.
Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises are individualized posture-based exercises designed to move the trunk or pelvis opposite to identified alignment deviations. This approach may improve biomechanics, reduce abnormal loading, and decrease neural irritation.
This study is a prospective randomized, parallel-group, superiority trial. Eligible adults with unilateral lumbar radiculopathy will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to:
Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercise group Standardized Conservative Physiotherapy group Both groups will receive supervised treatment sessions three times per week for 12 weeks.
Primary Outcome:
Change in lumbar nerve root microstructural integrity measured by DTI at baseline and week 12.
Secondary Outcomes:
Pain intensity Disability (Oswestry Disability Index) Spinal alignment Safety outcomes and adverse events The study aims to determine whether Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises produce superior clinical and imaging outcomes compared with conservative physiotherapy.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 2
- Model description
- Participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to one of two parallel treatment groups: Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises or standardized conservative physiotherapy for 12 weeks.
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises | Experimental | Behavioral: Mirror Image Spine Correction ExercisesParticipants will receive a supervised individualized Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercise program three sessions per week for 12 weeks. Exercises will be based on postural alignment findings and include a prescribed home exercise program. |
| Conservative Physiotherapy | Active comparator | Behavioral: Conservative PhysiotherapyParticipants will receive standardized conservative physiotherapy three sessions per week for 12 weeks including education, graded exercise, mobility training, strengthening, and clinically indicated adjunctive techniques. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Adults aged 18 years or older. Clinical diagnosis of unilateral lumbar radiculopathy. Presence of at least two of the following: dermatomal radiating leg pain, neurological deficit, positive neural tension test.
- MRI-confirmed lumbar nerve root compression or irritation consistent with symptoms.
- Pain intensity of 3/10 or greater. Able to undergo MRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). Able to understand study procedures and provide written informed consent.
Key exclusion criteria (3 listed)
- Previous lumbar spine surgery. Bilateral radiculopathy or unclear diagnosis. Tumor, infection, fracture, inflammatory spinal disease, or cauda equina syndrome.
- Severe progressive neurological deficit requiring urgent treatment. Contraindications to MRI (pacemaker, incompatible implants, severe claustrophobia).
- Recent lumbar injections or surgery. Other neurological or musculoskeletal disorders affecting outcomes. Pregnancy if MRI contraindicated by local policy. Cognitive impairment or inability to follow instructions.
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Mirror Image Spine Correction ExercisesParticipants will receive an individualized supervised exercise program based on identified postural alignment deviations. Treatment will be delivered three sessions per week for 12 weeks and may include trunk and pelvic corrective movements, mobility, stabilization, and a prescribed home exercise program. | Behavioural | Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises |
| Conservative PhysiotherapyParticipants will receive standardized conservative physiotherapy three sessions per week for 12 weeks including education, graded exercise, mobility exercises, strengthening, neural mobilization, and clinically indicated adjunctive non-invasive techniques. | Behavioural | Conservative Physiotherapy |
Primary outcome
Lumbar Nerve Root Fractional Anisotropy
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Change in lumbar nerve root microstructural integrity measured using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) Fractional Anisotropy.
3 secondary outcomes
Pain Intensity
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Spinal Alignment
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Additional DTI Parameters
Time frame: Baseline and Week 12
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 30 Apr 2026.
- Background: PubMed 17445735Tarulli AW, Raynor EM. Lumbosacral radiculopathy. Neurol Clin. 2007 May;25(2):387-405. doi: 10.1016/j.ncl.2007.01.008.
- Background: PubMed 17445733Rubin DI. Epidemiology and risk factors for spine pain. Neurol Clin. 2007 May;25(2):353-71. doi: 10.1016/j.ncl.2007.01.004.
- University of Sharjah sponsoring institutionLink provided by the sponsor.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. De-identified individual participant data may be shared upon reasonable request after publication, subject to ethics approval, institutional policy, and participant confidentiality protections.
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Mirror Image Spine Correction Exercises and Conservative Physiotherapy in people with Radiculopathy and Radiculopathy Lumbar, run by University of Sharjah at 1 site in United Arab Emirates.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 3 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 30 Apr 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in United Arab Emirates. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Fatima A Alowais, PT (+971566663372, fatimaalowais7@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Lumbar Nerve Root Fractional Anisotropy (time frame: Baseline and Week 12). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07558993, which also lists 2 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 30 Apr 2026.