The Effects of McKenzie Exercises on Pain and Functional Ability in Patients with Low Back Pain, Phrae Hospital

Abstract

Background:   Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common health problems in musculoskeletal system affecting the quality of life. Furthermore, LBP can lead to activity limitations and cause a significant effect on work productivity and efficiency. McKenzie exercises are considered to be used in the treatment of LBP for reducing pain and enhance abilities to perform activities of daily living.

Objective:      The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of Modified McKenzie exercise in reducing pain and disability in patient with low back pain caused by Herniated Nucleus Pulposus (HNP).

Methods:       This experimental study with a 4-week treatment period was conducted. Fourty patients with low back pain both male and female between the aged group 35-60 years (n=40) were randomized into two groups: the experimental group (n=20) and the control group (n=20). The experimental group was treated with Modified McKenzie exercises for 30 mins, 3 times a week and 4 weeks in total. Pain scale using Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) and Modified Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (MODI) were taken at pre-treatment and post-treatment. Results were recorded at the end of treatment.

Results:         After treatment with modified McKenzie exercises, the pain score of NRS of the experimental group was significantly decreased (p=0.000) whereas the changes in MODI were not significant (p=0.102). The control group had no significantly different of the pain scores of NRS (p=0.225) and MODI (p=0.602). In addition, the comparison of pain scores between the experimental group and the control group showed significantly decreased of the pain scores of NRS (p=0.010), whereas the changes of the scores of MODI were not significant (p=0.779).

Conclusion:    This study suggests that McKenzie exercises are effective in terms of reducing pain and functional disability in patients with LBP caused by HNP.

Keywords:      McKenzie exercises, Low Back Pain, Physical therapy