McKenzie vs Pilates Exercises in People With Chronic Low Back Pain

Brief Summary: Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a persistent condition lasting more than 12 weeks, often leading to pain, disability, and reduced quality of life. This clinical study aims to compare the effectiveness of McKenzie and Pilates exercise programs in managing CLBP symptoms. A total of 32 participants will be randomly assigned to two equal groups: one performing McKenzie exercises and the other engaging in Pilates routines. The intervention will span three weeks. Outcomes will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain intensity, the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) for functional impairment, a pressure algometer for pain sensitivity (PPT), and the Fingertip-to-Floor test (FTF) for range of motion (ROM). A two-way repeated-measures ANOVA will be used for statistical analysis, with significance set at p \< .05.

Background Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is characterized by persistent pain in the lumbar region lasting for more than 12 weeks, often leading to functional limitations and a decline in quality of life. Exercise-based interventions, such as the McKenzie method and Pilates, are widely implemented in managing CLBP symptoms, but direct comparisons of their effectiveness remain limited.

Aim This study aims to evaluate and compare the effects of the McKenzie method and Pilates exercises on pain relief, functional disability, and range of motion in individuals with CLBP. The objective is to determine whether one approach is more beneficial than the other in alleviating symptoms and enhancing physical function.

Method Thirty-two participants diagnosed with CLBP will be randomly assigned into two equal groups. One group will follow a McKenzie-based exercise program, while the other will engage in a Pilates regimen. Both interventions will last three weeks. Pain intensity will be assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), functional disability will be measured with the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), pain sensitivity will be evaluated through the pressure pain threshold (PPT) using an algometer, and range of motion will be determined by the Fingertip-to-Floor (FTF) test. Measurements will be taken before and after the intervention. Statistical analysis will be conducted using a two-way repeated-measures ANOVA to examine within- and between-group differences, with the significance level set at p \< .05.

Expected Results This study aims to compare the effectiveness of McKenzie and Pilates exercises in managing CLBP symptoms. Both methods are expected to provide significant improvements in pain reduction, disability, and pain sensitivity. However, since Pilates exercises emphasize flexibility, it is anticipated that they will result in a greater improvement in range of motion compared to the McKenzie method. Consequently, while similar outcomes are expected in most measured parameters, a superior increase in ROM is anticipated in the Pilates group.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Duration of symptoms 12 weeks
* Age range between 18 and 60 years
* Pain score ≥ 2cm in VAS scale
* Written consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Neuropathic pain extending along the lower limb due to nerve root compression
* Previous spine surgery
* History of spine trauma or fracture
* Implanted pacemakers
* Pregnancy
* Cancer
* Systemic musculoskeletal diseases, diagnosed neurodegenerative diseases (e.g., Parkinson's), epilepsy, and history of psychiatric disorders