McKenzie Protocol With/Without Postural Control Exercises on Pain, ROM, and Disability in Low Back Pain

Riphah International University

Status: Completed

Conditions: Low Back Pain

Treatments: Other: McKenzie without Progressive Postural Control Exercises; Other: McKenzie with Progressive Postural Control Exercises; Device: Hot Pack

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06796465

REC/RCR & AHS/24/0122

Details and patient eligibility

About

Chronic Low Back Pain (CLBP) is a prevalent global musculoskeletal disorder associated with significant physical, psychosocial, and economic burdens. The McKenzie method focuses on the use of sustained postures or repeated movements tailored to alleviate pain and restore function. Progressive Postural Control Exercise (PPCE) is an innovative approach for managing CLBP. It combines elements of motor control exercises and resistance training, emphasizing challenges to postural control through phased progression to improve stability and function.

The aim of this study is to compare the effects of the McKenzie protocol, both with and without the integration of Progressive Postural Control Exercises (PPCE), on pain, range of motion, and disability in patients with low back pain.

This study utilized a randomized controlled design with two groups. Participants were recruited from Shaikh Zaid Hospital using non-probability convenience sampling. The intervention lasted six weeks, with assessments conducted at baseline, three weeks, and six weeks.

Group A received McKenzie exercises combined with Progressive Postural Control Exercises (PPCE), while Group B was treated with McKenzie exercises alone, without PPCE. Assessment tools included the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) for pain, the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) for disability, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) for disability, and an inclinometer for measuring range of motion.

Enrollment: 48 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Patients aged 18-65 years
• Diagnosed with non-specific low back pain, with symptoms and pain persisting for over 3 months
• Individuals reporting a pain intensity of at least 4 out of 7 on the 11-point Numeric Pain Rating Scale (11-NPRS)
• Individuals scoring 4 or above on the Roland-Morris Questionnaire (RMQ) for low back pain

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnancy
• Chronic low back pain (LBP) due to trauma, structural issues, neurological symptoms, or radiating pain to the lower legs
• History of back surgery, spinal tumors, or infections
• Diagnosed neurological or musculoskeletal disorders unrelated to LBP, including, Stroke, Parkinson's disease, Demyelination disorders, Multiple sclerosis

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Single Blind

---

48 participants in 2 patient groups

Group A

Experimental group

Description:

Group A received a combination of McKenzie exercises and Progressive Postural Control Exercises. Each session began with the application of hot packs for 10-15 minutes to prepare the patients for the exercises. Patients then performed three sets of three exercises, with 10 repetitions per set, lasting approximately 10-15 minutes in total.

Treatment:

Device: Hot Pack

Other: McKenzie with Progressive Postural Control Exercises

Group B

Experimental group

Description:

Group B was treated with McKenzie exercises without the integration of Progressive Postural Control Exercises. Each session began with the application of hot packs for 10-15 minutes to prepare the patients for the technique. Patients then performed three sets of three exercises, with 10 repetitions per set, lasting approximately 10-15 minutes in total.

Treatment:

Device: Hot Pack

Other: McKenzie without Progressive Postural Control Exercises