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NCT Number: NCT07403292

Comparative Effects of McGill and McKenzie Exercises in Low Back Pain

The study was conducted to determine the comparative effects of McGill and McKenzie exercises on pain, range of motion and disability in patients with chronic mechanical low back pain.

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Key information

Conditions

Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain Neurologic Manifestations Pain Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Signs and Symptoms

Age range

20 year–40 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Naseer Hospital

Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Both genders.
  • Patients between 20-40 years.
  • At least 6 months of history of chronic mechanical low back pain.
  • Negative Lasegue's Test.
  • Negative Slump Test.
  • Patient presenting with NPRS values of above 1 and equal to or less than 6.
  • ODI score from 5-24, with the patient showing minimal to moderate disability.
  • Patient showing restricted lumbar range of motion in any direction of flexion, extension, and lateral flexion.
  • Participants must demonstrate an extension directional preference during clinical examination (For the safety purpose of the patients)

Exclusion criteria

  • Lumbar radiculopathy.
  • Previous record showing Trauma or accident.
  • Any previous surgical record of Lumbar Spine Surgery.
  • Acute or Subacute low back pain.
  • History of spinal osteoporosis.
  • Vertebral Fractures.
  • Tumors and active infections.
  • Diagnosed psychological disorders.
  • Any spinal deformity
  • Participants who do not show directional preference towards extension

Treatment and study plan

McGill Exercises

Other

McGill Big three exercises for 10 repetitions and 5-10 seconds of hold initially. Progression was tailored as per the patient's requirements and stamina.

  • Standardized physiotherapy treatment at the first session.
  • McGill curl-up
  • Isometric horizontal side support, either with support on knees or on foot, according to patient stamina.
  • Single leg extension holds on hands and knees, also known as McGill Birddog, either with or without raising the contralateral arm as per patient stamina.

McKenzie Exercises

Other

McKenzie extension exercise plan (EEP) for 10 repetitions and 5-10 seconds of hold initially. Progression was tailored as per the patient's requirements and symptoms

  • Standardized physiotherapy treatment at the first session.
  • Lying face down in extension on elbows.
  • Full press up.
  • Extension in standing.

Standardized Physiotherapy Treatment

Other
  • Electrical Heating Pad was applied for 10 minutes.
  • TENS was applied (low frequency) for 10 minutes.
  • Posterior to Anterior Glides of Lumbar Spine in Maitland Grade-III, with 4 sets and 4 repetitions each. The patient will be in a prone position.

Primary outcomes

  1. Numeric Pain Rating Scale

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the treatment at 6 weeks

    Pain intensity was measured using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale which is abbreviated as NPRS. In this tool, individuals score their pain levels on a scale from 0 to 10. When a participant selects 0, it means they had no pain. On the other hand, if it is 10, the participant must be going through the worst pain imaginable.

  2. Oswestry Disability Index

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the treatment at 6 weeks.

    The Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) is a questionnaire that participants fill themselves based on self-reporting. It is based on disability caused by low back pain. Pynsent in Oswestry, England, introduced it in 1980. It has become one of the most widely used and trusted tools for evaluating disability related to back pain.

  3. Lumbar Range of Motion

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the 6 weeks

    Different instruments are used in physiotherapy to measure the range of motions, like a goniometer and an inclinometer. An inclinometer is used to measure spinal ROM.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Lumbar Flexion

    Time frame: From enrollment to end of the treatment at 6 weeks.

    Measured by inclinometer.

  2. Lumbar Extension

    Time frame: From enrollment to end of the treatment by 6 weeks.

    Measured by Inclinometer

  3. Lumbar Right Lateral Flexion

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of 6 weeks

    Measured by Inclinometer

  4. Lumbar Left Lateral Flexion

    Time frame: From enrollment to end of the treatment by 6 weeks.

    Measured by using Inclinometer

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Riphah International University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparative Effects of McGill and McKenzie Exercises on Pain, Range of Motion and Disability in Patients With Chronic Mechanical Low Back Pain

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Feb 11, 2026
Registry last updated
Feb 11, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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