The effect of McKenzie and Back School's techniques on the lumbar flexion range of motion, quality of life and pain intensity in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

• Grant number: 10/13907-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: March 01, 2011
• End date: December 31, 2012
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy
• Principal Investigator: Leonardo Oliveira Pena Costa
• Grantee: Alessandra Narciso Garcia
• Host Institution: Pró-Reitoria Acadêmica. Universidade Cidade de São Paulo (UNICID). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Chronic low back pain is an important health and social economic problem which is associated with disability and emotional stress. Although both the McKenzie and the Back School methods are considered efficient for the treatment of low back pain, there is no information on the literature on which one is the best. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of these two methods in patients with chronic low back pain on the following outcomes: pain intensity, disability, quality of life, and lumbar flexion range of motion. The participants will be assessed by a blinded observer. The patients will receive four sessions of treatment over four weeks. It expected that this study will provide evidence if these techniques are superior to each other or not and as a consequence will provide important information to guide physical therapists in their clinical practice. (AU)