Article ID: 11713
Purpose: This study investigated the combined effects of the McKenzie method, deep cervical muscle exercise, and physical agents in patients with degenerative disorders of the cervical spine.
Methods: Study participants included 112 patients diagnosed with degenerative disorders of the cervical spine at our hospital. The patients were divided into three therapeutic groups, which were treated with: the McKenzie method and physical agents (MDT group, 51 cases); the McKenzie method, deep cervical muscle exercise, and physical agents (DCME group, 43 cases); and physical agents alone (physical agents group, 18 cases). The effects of these therapies were evaluated using the active ROM of cervical spines (hereafter, CROM), Neck Disability Index (NDI), JOACMEQ, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores for neck pain, and SF-8 before therapy and 1, 2, 3, and 5 months after therapy. Statistical analysis was performed using the mixed-effects model for repeated measures.
Results: The following evaluation items showed interaction. Compared with before therapy, CROM, NDI, JOACMEQ, and SF-8 scores were significantly improved 1 month after therapy in the MDT and DCME groups. VAS scores significantly improved 1 month after therapy in the MDT and DCME groups, and 2 months after therapy in the physical agents group. These effects were highest in the MDT group, followed by the DCME group and the physical agents group.
Conclusion: Compared to physical agents alone, MDT and DCME resulted in greater symptomatic, functional, and psychological improvement.
