Effectiveness of the McKenzie-based exercises in improving pain, disability, and cervical range of motion in patients with chronic non-specific neck pain: A systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND: The McKenzie Method is widely used in managing spinal pain; however, its effectiveness in chronic nonspecific neck pain (CNNP) remains uncertain. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of the McKenzie Method compared to placebo, usual care, or other interventions in reducing pain, disability, and improving the cervical range of motion (CROM) in patients with CNNP. METHODS: ), sensitivityanalyses, publication bias, and certainty of evidence (GRADE) were assessed. RESULTS: = 19.5%). Publication bias was detected for disability, with trim-and-fill suggesting the true effect may be larger. Significant improvements in active CROM were observed for extension, flexion, and rotation, whereas no significant improvement was found for lateral flexion. No evidence of publication bias or sensitivity effects was found for these outcomes. CONCLUSION: In adults with CNNP, interventions described as the McKenzie Method were associated with small improvements in pain, disability, and cervical flexion, extension, and rotation, with no clear effect on lateral flexion. Effects are short-term and of low certainty. Evidence for medium or long-term outcomes has not been reported based on studies retained in this review.