Comparison of the Effectiveness of Maitland Spinal Mobilization Versus Mckenzie Exercise Combined with Core Stability Exercise on Pain, Range of Motion and Functional Activities in Mechanical Low Back Pain

Introduction: Mechanical low back pain (LBP) is low back pain associated with the spine, intervertebral disks, or surrounding soft tissues. It generally results from an acute traumatic event but may also be caused by cumulative trauma. The severity of an acute traumatic event varies widely, from twisting ones back to being involved in a motor vehicle collision. Mechanical LBP due to cumulative trauma tends to occur more commonly in the workplace. Aim/Objectives: To find out the effects of Maitland Spinal Mobilization versus McKenzie Exercise combined with core stability exercise on pain, range of motion and functional activities in subjects with Mechanical Low Back Pain. Methods: Among 40 patients, 12 were excluded. The remaining 28 patient’s age group of 20 to 45 years were recruited. The study was a quasi-experimental comparative design. This was conducted at Department of Orthopaedics & department of physical medicine rehabilitation, PSG Hospitals, Coimbatore. By simple random sampling method, 14 patients were selected in each group of intervention. Group A received Maitland Spinal Mobilization & Group B McKenzie Exercises. The core stability exercises were a common treatment for both groups. The treatment given for groups were 3 session/week for 2 weeks. The treatment outcome was assessed using Numerical Pain Rating Scale, Range of Motion and Oswestry Disability Index. Data were analyzed by SPSS 20 to determine the effects of both the treatment regimens and compared with each other. Results: Data analysis revealed that within group statistically significant difference within group Maitland Spinal Mobilization with Core stability exercises and McKenzie exercise with Core stability exercises both groups showed significant (p<0.001) improvement for all parameters. However, the between group analysis, it showed insignificant changes (p>0.05) for all parameters. Conclusion: This study shows that Maitland Spinal Mobilization combined with Core stability exercises improves functional activities largely than McKenzie exercises combined with Core stability exercises in the treatment of patients with mechanical low back pain.