Effects of Core stability and Mckenzie Exercises in Low Back Pain with Extension Preference

Hamidreza  Nemati; Hoda  Niknam; Khosro Khademi  Kalantari; Alireza Akbarzadeh  Baghban; Negin  Jalili

doi:10.18502/jmr.v19i1.17510

Hamidreza Nemati Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Hoda Niknam Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Khosro Khademi Kalantari Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Alireza Akbarzadeh Baghban Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Negin Jalili Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmr.v19i1.17510

Keywords: Low back pain; Exercise therapy; Core stability; Range of motion

Abstract

Introduction: Low back pain is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Various treatments have been recommended to address this prevalent issue, with core stability and McKenzie exercises being among the most evidence-based options. However, recent comparative studies lack mechanical assessment and functional tests. This study compares the effects of core stability and McKenzie exercises on the range of motion, pain, disability, and function in patients with mechanical low back pain.

Materials and Methods: In this clinical trial, 22 patients received core stability exercises, and 22 received McKenzie exercises based on individual mechanical assessments. Before treatment, each patient underwent mechanical assessment via the McKenzie mechanical assessment form, pain assessment using the visual analog scale, disability evaluation with the Oswestry disability index questionnaire, muscle control, as well as function assessment with unilateral single limb stance, and range of motion evaluation using fingertip-to-floor distance measurements. All variables were measured again after 8 sessions over two weeks of intervention.

Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in trunk flexion range of motion, disability, functional status, and pain (P>0.05). However, the two groups had no significant differences (P<0.05).

Conclusion: Both core stabilization and McKenzie exercises are effective in reducing pain disability, increasing range of motion, and enhancing functional status in patients with mechanical low back pain.