Effectiveness of Alexander Technique and Core Stability Exercises Versus McKenzie Method in the Treatment of Lumbosacral Radiculopathy: A Randomized Control Trial

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is pain in the lower part of the trunk, a highly prevalent and disabling condition globally. Clinical management for acute LBP and lumbosacral radiculopathy patients recommends first-line treatment consisting of education, support, and simple analgesics. This study evaluated the short-term alexander technique and core stability exercises versus the McKenzie method in treating lumbosacral radiculopathy. A randomized control trial with four weeks of follow-up was conducted from March 2022 to November 2022, consisting of a sample size of 20. Eligible participants were assigned a treatment protocol based on the McKenzie or Alexander technique for four weeks. The p-value was noted as greater than (0.05 non-significant), so the null hypothesis failed to reject it, meaning there was no significant difference between the Alexander technique and McKenzie method in treating lumbosacral radiculopathy. McKenzie was slightly more effective and responded from the first day to the end of the treatment session, but the reoccurrence of LBP was frequent due to weak muscles, poor working posture, and weight lifting in daily life activity. Alexander technique and core stability exercises response was slow in the first two weeks; after two weeks, both Alexander and McKenzie methods showed similar responses but no reoccurrence in Alexander-technique.