Combined Effects of Mckenzie and Motor Control Exercises in Chronic Non-specific Low Back Pain

NCT07438470 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: REC/RCR & AHS/24/01112
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 54
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

This study was conducted to compare the results of McKenzie extension exercises and motor control exercises, with a combined exercise program on pain intensity, core muscle endurance and range of motion and quality of life in those suffering from persistent, non-specific low back pain.

Conditions

Non Specific Chronic Low Back Pain

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (4)

• Pain Intensity (Numeric Pain Rating Scale)

  Pain intensity was assessed using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), an 11-point scale ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst imaginable pain). Participants reported their average pain intensity, with higher scores indicating greater pain severity.

  From enrollment till the end of treatment at 6 weeks

• Trunk Muscle Endurance (Biering-Sorensen Test)

  Trunk extensor muscle endurance was measured using the Biering-Sorensen test. Participants maintained the horizontal prone position with the upper body unsupported for as long as possible, and the duration was recorded in seconds as a measure of trunk muscle endurance.

  From enrollment till the end of treatment at 6 weeks

• Lumbar Range of Motion

  Lumbar range of motion was assessed using a goniometer to measure flexion and extension movements of the lumbar spine. Measurements were recorded in degrees, with higher values indicating greater spinal mobility.

  From enrollment till the end of treatment at 6 weeks

• Functional Disability (Oswestry Disability Index)

  Functional disability was evaluated using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), a validated self-reported questionnaire assessing disability related to low back pain. Scores were calculated as percentages, with higher scores indicating greater disability.

  From enrollment till the end of treatment at 6 weeks

Study Arms (3)

Mckenzie Extension Exercise

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this arm received a McKenzie-based extension exercise program focusing on repeated lumbar extension movements. The exercises were performed under the supervision of a physical therapist according to standardized McKenzie principles. The program was designed to reduce pain, improve lumbar range of motion, and decrease functional disability in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Behavioral: McKenzie Extension Exercises

Motor Control Exercise Program

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this arm received a motor control exercise program designed to improve activation, coordination, and endurance of deep trunk muscles, including the transversus abdominis and multifidus. The exercises were supervised by a physical therapist and were progressed according to patient tolerance. The intervention aimed to improve spinal stability, reduce pain, and enhance functional ability.

Behavioral: Motor Control Exercises

Combined McKenzie and Motor Control Exercise Program

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this arm received a combined intervention consisting of McKenzie extension exercises and motor control exercises. The program integrated repeated lumbar extension movements with trunk stabilization and motor control training. The intervention was supervised by a physical therapist and aimed to improve pain intensity, lumbar range of motion, muscle endurance, and functional disability.

Behavioral: Combined McKenzie and Motor Control Exercises

Interventions

Combined McKenzie and Motor Control Exercises BEHAVIORAL

Participants received a combined exercise program consisting of McKenzie extension exercises and motor control exercises. The intervention integrated repeated lumbar extension movements with trunk stabilization and motor control training. All exercises were supervised by a physical therapist and aimed to improve pain intensity, lumbar range of motion, muscle endurance, and functional disability.

Also known as: Combined Exercise Program

Combined McKenzie and Motor Control Exercise Program

McKenzie Extension Exercises BEHAVIORAL

Participants received a McKenzie-based extension exercise program consisting of repeated lumbar extension movements performed in lying and standing positions. The exercises were prescribed and supervised by a physical therapist according to standardized McKenzie principles. The intervention focused on symptom centralization, pain reduction, and improvement in lumbar range of motion and functional ability in individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain.

Also known as: McKenzie Method

Mckenzie Extension Exercise

Motor Control Exercises BEHAVIORAL

Participants received a motor control exercise program aimed at improving activation, coordination, and endurance of deep trunk muscles, including the transversus abdominis and multifidus. Exercises were supervised by a physical therapist and progressed according to patient tolerance. The intervention focused on enhancing spinal stability, reducing pain, and improving functional performance.

Also known as: Lumbar Stabilization Exercises

Motor Control Exercise Program

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 45 Years - 70 Years
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Both male and female
• Age between 45-70
• History of LBP of 3 months or greater with pain intensity greater than 6 on NPRS scale
• Sorensen test positive

You may not qualify if:

• Vertebral fractures
• Previous Spinal surgery and Infections should be excluded.
• Osteoporosis, Ankylosing Spondylosis, Inflammatory and Rheumatological diseases.
• Pregnancy, malignancy, Trauma, Disc Herniation

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Riphah International University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Surgimed Hospital, Lahore

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Location

Related Publications (7)

• Elabd OM, Oakley PA, Elabd AM. Prediction of back disability using clinical, functional, and biomechanical variables in adults with chronic nonspecific low back pain. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2024 Jul 8;13(13):3980.

  BACKGROUND

• Anggiat L, Hon WH, Sokran SN, Mohammad NM. The changes of functional disability in non-specific low back pain among university population after proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation and mckenzie method. International Journal of Medical and Exercise Science. 2020;6(1):656-67.

  BACKGROUND

• Leivas EG, Correa LA, Nogueira LA. The relationship between low back pain and the basic lumbar posture at work: a retrospective cross-sectional study. International archives of occupational and environmental health. 2022 Jan;95(1):25-33.

  BACKGROUND

• Vinodhini R, Purushothaman VK, Subramaniam A, Vasanthi RK. Effectiveness of global posture re-education and McKenzie technique in non-specific low back pain. INTI journal. 2022 Sep 30;2022.

  BACKGROUND

• Elmahdy HH, Zaky NA, Elalfy AT, Aly MG. Mckenzie versus William's exercise for non-specific low back pain in adolescents: a comparative study. The Egyptian Journal of Hospital Medicine. 2022 Oct 1;89(1):4747-53.

  BACKGROUND

• Singh S, Ranjan R, Sandhya K. Effects of McKenzie Exercise and other Treatment Techniques in Reducing Pain & Disability in Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain. Indian Journal of Physiotherapy & Occupational Therapy. 2024 Jul 1;18(3).

  BACKGROUND

• Li Y, Zhao Q, Zhang X, E Y, Su Y. The impact of core training combined with breathing exercises on individuals with chronic non-specific low back pain. Frontiers in Public Health. 2025 Feb 21;13:1518612.

  BACKGROUND

Study Officials

• Humera Mubashar, MsOMPT

  Riphah International University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: DOUBLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
• Purpose: TREATMENT
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: February 23, 2026
• First Posted: February 27, 2026
• Study Start: January 13, 2025
• Primary Completion: May 31, 2025
• Study Completion: October 31, 2025
• Last Updated: February 27, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-02

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

PA (1)