Year: 2024 | Month: September | Volume: 14 | Issue: 9 | Pages: 212-220
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20240927
Efficacy and Effectiveness of McKenzie Exercises in Chronic Low Back Pain Management: A Comprehensive Review
Geeta Gill1, Dr. Vinay Jagga2, Dr. Sajjan Pal 3
1PhD Scholar, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Baba Mastnath University, Rohtak, Haryana, India.
2Professor and Dean, Faculty of Physiotherapy, Baba Mastnath University, Rohtak, Haryana, India.
3Assistant Professor, Faculty of Physiotherapy, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India.
Corresponding Author: Geeta Gill
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a prevalent musculoskeletal condition with significant societal and economic implications. The McKenzie Method, developed by Robin McKenzie, is emerging as a promising intervention for CLBP management, emphasizing mechanical diagnosis and therapy techniques.
Objective: This comprehensive review aims to evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of McKenzie exercises in managing mechanical low back pain
Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across various databases, including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Science Direct, MEDLINE, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library, spanning the years 2018 to 2024. Inclusion criteria encompassed randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, or potentially quasi-experimental studies assessing the McKenzie Method in adults with CLBP, with exclusion criteria comprising observational studies, case reports, and articles lacking full-text availability. The search yielded a total of 11 relevant studies meeting the eligibility criteria. Key outcomes assessed included pain intensity, disability, quality of life, and functional improvement.
Results: The reviewed studies consistently demonstrate the effectiveness of the McKenzie Method in managing chronic low back pain (CLBP). Across various outcome measures including pain intensity, disability, and quality of life, McKenzie interventions yield significant improvements. Specifically, studies by Safei and Zulfahmidah (2022), Ibrahim et al. (2019), and Czajka et al. (2018) underscore the favorable outcomes achieved with McKenzie exercises compared to standard rehabilitation approaches. Additionally, Namnaqani et al. (2019) and Lam et al. (2018) highlight the superior pain reduction achieved by the McKenzie Method compared to manual therapy and other rehabilitation interventions. Furthermore, Garcia et al. (2018) report a small yet clinically relevant difference favoring the McKenzie Method over placebo in pain intensity at the end of the treatment period.
Conclusions: The collective findings support the efficacy and effectiveness of the McKenzie Method as a valuable intervention for CLBP management. It demonstrates superiority over placebo and comparable outcomes to manual therapy and other rehabilitation modalities in alleviating pain and improving functional outcomes. However, therapist qualifications and adherence to comprehensive training protocols are crucial for optimizing treatment outcomes. Moreover, the combination of McKenzie exercises with other therapeutic modalities appears to offer synergistic benefits in enhancing spinal mobility, improving quality of life, and reducing disability associated with CLBP.
Key words: McKenzie Method, chronic low back pain, mechanical diagnosis and therapy, rehabilitation, pain management .