Effectiveness of Mckenzie’s Exercises and Intensive Spinal Strengthening Program on Patients with Subacute or Chronic Low Back Pain- A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Low back pain (LBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal disorder affecting a significant portion of the global population, with chronic cases leading to prolonged disability. McKenzie exercises and intensive spinal strengthening programs are commonly used interventions, but their comparative effectiveness remains debated. 

Objective: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of McKenzie exercises versus intensive spinal strengthening exercises in reducing pain and disability in patients with subacute or chronic LBP when combined with conventional therapy (interferential therapy and traction). 

Methods: A randomized comparative study was conducted with 60 participants (aged 30–50 years) divided into two groups. Group A received McKenzie exercises, intermittent lumbar traction, and interferential therapy (IFT), while Group B received intensive spinal strengthening exercises, traction, and IFT. Pain intensity was measured using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and disability was assessed via the Modified Oswestry Disability Questionnaire. Outcomes were evaluated before and after a 4-week intervention. 

Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in pain and disability (p = 0.001). However, Group A (McKenzie) demonstrated greater reductions in pain (mean decrease from 8.0 to 3.0 on VAS) and disability (60% to 22%) compared to Group B (pain: 8.0 to 5.0; disability: 55.5% to 34%). Intergroup analysis revealed McKenzie exercises were significantly more effective (p = 0.002). 

Conclusion: McKenzie exercises combined with conventional therapy are more effective than intensive spinal strengthening programs in alleviating pain and improving functional outcomes in subacute/chronic LBP patients. Further studies with larger samples and longer durations are recommended to validate these findings. 

Keywords: Low back pain, McKenzie method, spinal strengthening exercises, interferential therapy, lumbar traction, disability management.