Effect of Sciatic Nerve Mobilization on Lower Extremity Pain Perception

This randomized controlled study aims to investigate the effect of sciatic nerve mobilization on pain perception in lower extremity peripheral nerves, specifically the tibial and common peroneal nerves. The study will be conducted in university students at Fenerbahçe University. Participants will be randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) will be measured using a pressure algometer at standardized anatomical points over the tibial and common peroneal nerves before and after the intervention period. Demographic and clinical information, including age, sex, height, weight, dominant lower extremity, physical activity level, history of lower extremity injury or surgery, neurological or systemic disease, and regular medication use, will also be recorded. Participants in the intervention group will receive a standardized sciatic nerve mobilization protocol consisting of sliding-type neurodynamic mobilization performed in the supine position, including components of hip flexion, knee extension, and ankle dorsiflexion/plantarflexion in a rhythmic sequence. No intervention will be applied to the control group. The primary purpose of the study is to determine whether sciatic nerve mobilization changes pressure pain threshold values in the tibial and common peroneal nerves compared with no intervention.