Comparative Effects of Mackenzie and Tailored Mat Exercises on Pain, Function and Disability in Post-Menopausal Women With Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain

Exercise has been shown to reduce pain and improve function levels in postmenopausal women with chronic NSLBP. McKenzie method is a well-known method used in the treatment of LBP. Another method of therapeutic exercise that has shown some positive results is the Pilates method. Existing research shows that Pilates in adult women with chronic NSLBP reduces pain and disability and improves the quality of life. However, the effect of Pilates and Mckenzie exercises in postmenopausal women with chronic NSLBP remains under investigation. This study aims to examine comparative effects of Mackenzie and tailored mat exercises on pain, function and disability in post-menopausal women with chronic nonspecific low back pain and will help in providing improvements in pain and disability and hence better quality of life.

This will be a randomized Clinical trial conducted on 62 participants. Data will be collected from Combined Military Hospital Lahore, by using non-probability convenience sampling technique. Postmenopausal Women between the age of 55 to 85 with Chronic NSLBP for more than 12 weeks, a physician referral for exercise, a pain VAS score>30 mm and≤70 mm, and (TUG) test score>15 will be included in this study. Participants who are frailer, have radicular referred leg pain, radiculopathy, low back pain due to a serious pathology participation in another lower back specific exercise program in the last 6 months, participation in a previous Pilates exercise program, neurodegenerative disease, recent stroke, and cognitive impairment (Mini Mental State Exam score < 24) will be excluded from this study. A sample of 62 will be divided into two groups with 31participants in each group. Group A will receive tailored mat exercises. Group B will receive Mckenzie exercises. A baseline treatment including moist hot pack and TENS will be given to both of these groups. All these sessions will be of 45 minutes for 2 session per week for 10 weeks. Primary outcomes included will be visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), timed up-and-go (TUG), at baseline, 10 weeks, and 6 months post-interventions. Data will be analyzed by using SPSS version 26.0.