CompletedNot Applicable

The Diagnostic Role of Adding the Hoffman Reflex Study for L5 Radiculopathy in the Electrodiagnostic Laboratory

Turkey (Türkiye)58 participantsStarted 2017-12-01

Plain-language summary

The H-reflex is one of the most popular topics in reflexology and one of the late responses involved in routine nerve conduction studies in the electromyography (EMG) laboratory. The H-reflex is generally recorded from the gastrocnemius-soleus muscles (tibial H-reflex) by stimulating the tibial nerve in the lower extremity. Tibial H-reflex is a sensitive measurement for examining S1 radiculopathy. Although there are plenty of studies related to the Soleus muscle registered H-reflex in S1 radiculopathy in the literature, there is no study in which the H-reflex is used in L5 muscles in diagnosing L5 radiculopathies. The aim of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the H-reflex by using a different method in the distinction between L5 and S1 radiculopathies.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 65 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Between 18 and 65 years of age * Low back pain for at least three months * Radicular pain in one extremity, disc herniation that matches painful dermatome and root compression in MRI(L5 or S1 root compression) * MRI and physical examination findings compatible with root compression * No contraindications to EMG. Exclusion Criteria: * Bilateral radicular symptoms * Multiple levels of radiculopathy * Diabetes * Polyneuropathy * Rheumatic diseases * History of malignancies * Lumbosacral region spine surgery * Lumbar spinal stenosis * Spondylolisthesis * Previous peripheral neuropathy in the lower extremities * Different causes of radiculopathy other than disc herniation (e.g. tumor, osteophyte, facet hypertrophy and other) * Central system disorders * Muscular diseases

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

The Hoffman reflex latency

Timeframe: 1 day

Trial details

NCT IDNCT05269602

SponsorTC Erciyes University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2018-12-01

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Radiculopathy trials