ORIGINAL PAPER
The effectiveness of the McKenzie method in treating lumbar discopathy
1
University School of Physical Education in Wrocław, Wrocław, Poland
2
Physiotherapist; Manus, Długołęka, Poland
Submission date: 2020-01-22
Acceptance date: 2020-10-04
Publication date: 2021-06-10
Hum Mov. 2021;22(4):98-104
KEYWORDS
TOPICS
ABSTRACT
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 2-week physiotherapy treatment augmented with the McKenzie method in patients with lumbar discopathy. The influence of this treatment on progression in the mobility range of lumbar spine was investigated.
Methods:
Sixty patients aged 40–59 years diagnosed with lumbar discopathy were equally divided into group A (mean age: 51.4 years) and group B (mean age: 51.8 years). The McKenzie method was applied in group A and conservative physiotherapeutic treatment was administered to group B. Pre- and post-intervention measures of spinal range of motion were assessed with a Saunders digital inclinometer; pain intensity and nerve root irritation were also collected. The results were compared between groups.
Results:
Spinal mobility improved and pain was reduced in both groups albeit enhanced treatment outcomes were observed in group A compared with group B (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
The improved response in group A attests to the applicability of the McKenzie method in the treatment of lumbar discopathy. Post-treatment values did not meet clinical norms and may be a result of group characteristics at baseline (high pain level and impeded spinal mobility) or the limited intervention duration.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 2-week physiotherapy treatment augmented with the McKenzie method in patients with lumbar discopathy. The influence of this treatment on progression in the mobility range of lumbar spine was investigated.
Methods:
Sixty patients aged 40–59 years diagnosed with lumbar discopathy were equally divided into group A (mean age: 51.4 years) and group B (mean age: 51.8 years). The McKenzie method was applied in group A and conservative physiotherapeutic treatment was administered to group B. Pre- and post-intervention measures of spinal range of motion were assessed with a Saunders digital inclinometer; pain intensity and nerve root irritation were also collected. The results were compared between groups.
Results:
Spinal mobility improved and pain was reduced in both groups albeit enhanced treatment outcomes were observed in group A compared with group B (p < 0.0001).
Conclusions:
The improved response in group A attests to the applicability of the McKenzie method in the treatment of lumbar discopathy. Post-treatment values did not meet clinical norms and may be a result of group characteristics at baseline (high pain level and impeded spinal mobility) or the limited intervention duration.
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