Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of the McKenzie method (M group) or stretching (S group) or both (M+S group), for patients suffering from chronic non-specific low back pain with a duration of more than 6 months.
Methods: We divided 98 patients that showed the DP into 3 groups; 31 patients M group, 35 patients S group, 32 patients M+S group. We instructed once a week intervention and 4-weeks of self-exercise.
Results: All 3 groups accepted significant improvement before and after the intervention in all items of the VAS, chest lumbar part ROM, SF-36, JOABPEQ, ODI. Only the M+S group was more significantly improved than M group and S group in the item of the ROM. S group and M+S group were more significantly improved than M group in the item of the VAS and the ODI.
Conclusion: All 3 groups showed efficacy in all of pain, physical functions and mental functions before and after the intervention. The comparison between the groups showed a high effect in order of M+S group > S group > M group.
