EFFECTIVENESS OF MCKENZIE EXERCISES ON PAIN AND DISABILITY IN ACUTE DISCOGENIC SCIATICA

Abstract

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of McKenzie exercises on pain and disability in acute discogenic sciatica.
METHODS: This study was randomized controlled trial. Study was conducted in different hospital setups which include Khyber teaching hospital, Northwest general hospital. Study was also conducted in the private setups. Duration of the study was from January 2014 to June 2014. Subjects with acute discogenic sciatica aged b/w 18 to 65 were recruited in the study who fulfilled inclusion and exclusion criteria. Total of 30 patients were randomly allocated to McKenzie and non-McKenzie groups. Treatment of McKenzie group (Experimental group) consisted of McKenzie exercises including self-mobilizing repeated movements or sustained positions performed in specific movement directions. Non McKenzie group (Control group) received medications only. Both groups were asked for 15days follow-up. Final assessment was done after 15 days and effectiveness was noted. Visual analogue scale and Oswestry low back pain disability index were used as an outcome measure. Paired T-test and mean, median, mode and standard deviation were used for comparison.
RESULT: Total of 30 patients completed all sessions without any dropouts. Among both groups significant difference was seen in pain intensity and disability. The effectiveness of McKenzie exercises showed a significant reduction in pain intensity (p=0.000). Mean reduction in pain intensity was greater in exercise group as compared to control group. Similar means of functional disability was also decreased significantly in exercise group. (p=0.000).
CONCLUSION: McKenzie therapy is more effective in reducing pain and disability in patients with acute sciatica in short term follow up than medications.