Efficacy of the McKenzie Method in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomised placebo controlled trial

• Grant number: 13/20075-5
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: April 01, 2014
• End date: June 30, 2016
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Leonardo Oliveira Pena Costa
• Grantee: Leonardo Oliveira Pena Costa
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria de Pós-Graduação, Pesquisa e Extensão. Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Luciola da Cunha Menezes Costa
• Associated research grant(s): 14/50638-4 - Efficacy of the McKenzie method in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a randomised placebo controlled trial, AP.R SPRINT

Abstract

Statement of the problem: Low back pain is an important health and socioeconomic problem which is associated with work absenteeism and disability. The McKenzie method has been extensively used as an active intervention to treat patients with chronic non specific low back pain. Although the McKenzie method has been compared with other active interventions, to date the, efficacy of this method in the treatment of patients with chronic non specific low back pain is unclear. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of the McKenzie method versus placebo in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain and if derangement syndrome is a predictor of outcome or to response to treatment. Design: Prospectively registered, two-arm, randomized placebo-controlled trial with a blinded assessor. Settings: Outpatient physical therapy clinic of the Universidade Cidade de São Paulo. Eligibility criteria: One hundred and forty eight chronic non-specific low back pain patients. Interventions: An eight-week treatment program (12 treatment sessions) based upon the McKenzie method principles or Placebo (detuned ultrasound and shortwave therapy). Due to ethical issues, patients from both groups will also receivean educational booklet based on the Guidelines of Treatment of low back pain. Measurements: Clinical outcomes will be obtained at follow up appointments after receiving treatment and at 3, 6 and 12 months after randomisation. Primary outcomes will be pain intensity and general disability after the treatment. Secondary outcomes will be pain intensity and general disability after 3, 6 and 12 months and specific disability, kinesiophobia, global perceived effect after treatment and 3, 6 and 12 months after randomization. Results: It is expected that patients treated with the McKenzie method will show a greater clinical improvement compared with patients treated with placebo. These results may assist physiotherapists to make their clinical decisions. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

GARCIA, ALESSANDRA NARCISO; MENEZES COSTA, LUCIOLA DA CUNHA; HANCOCK, MARK J.; DE ALMEIDA, MATHEUS OLIVEIRA; DE SOUZA, FABRICIO SOARES; PENA COSTA, LEONARDO OLIVEIRA. Efficacy of the McKenzie Method in Patients With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Protocol of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial. PHYSICAL THERAPY, v. 95, n. 2, p. 267-273, FEB 2015. (13/20075-5)