A randomized controlled trial comparing McKenzie therapy and motor control exercises on the recruitment of trunk muscles in people with chronic low back pain: a trial protocol. Issue 2 (June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Halliday, Mark H.; Ferreira, Paulo H.; Hancock, Mark J.; Clare, Helen A.
• Is Part Of: Physiotherapy. Volume 101:Issue 2(2015)
• Page Start: 232
• Page End: 238
• Publication Date: 2015-06
• Subjects: McKenzie -- Muscle -- Recruitment -- Ultrasound -- Protocol -- Low back pain; Physical therapy -- Periodicals; Therapeutics, Physiological -- Periodicals; 615.8205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2014.07.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0031-9406

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To investigate if McKenzie exercises when applied to a cohort of patients with chronic LBP who have a directional preference demonstrate improved recruitment of the transversus abdominis compared to motor control exercises when measurements were assessed from ultrasound images. Design: A randomized blinded trial with a 12-month follow-up. Setting: The Physiotherapy department of Concord Hospital a primary health care environment. Participants: 70-adults with greater than three-month history of LBP who have a directional preference. Interventions: McKenzie techniques or motor control exercises for 12-sessions over eight weeks. Main outcome measures: Transversus abdominus thickness measured from real time ultrasound images, pain, global perceived effect and capacity to self-manage. Discussion: This study will be the first to investigate the possible mechanism of action that McKenzie therapy and motor control exercises have on the recruitment of the transversus abdominus in a cohort of low back pain patients sub-classified with a directional preference. Patients receiving matched exercises according to their directional preference are believed to have better outcomes than those receiving unmatched exercises. A better understanding of the mechanism of action that specific treatments such as motor control exercises or McKenzie exercises have on patients classified with a directional preference will allow therapist to make a more informed choice about treatment options.