Effects of the McKenzie protocol on pregnancy- related back pain -

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Back pain (BP) is a common complaint of women during pregnancy, and it constituted a burden to the affected individuals. The objective of this study was to determine the effects of McKenzie protocol (MP) in managing pregnancy-related BP among women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Women with pregnancy-related BP were purposively recruited and randomly assigned to McKenzie protocol plus usual care (MPG) and Usual care only (UCG). The participants in the MPG were treated with MP in addition to the usual care. The women in the UCG received usual care only. Participants were treated within six weeks and then assessed. Pre and post-intervention pain intensity and disability level were assessed using Numerical pain rating scale and Modified Ronald Morris Disability Questionnaires. Data obtained were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the independent t-test comparison of the pre-treatment pain intensity [LBP (p = 0 . 989), HBP (p = 0 .306), PGP (0 .296)] and functional disability scores [LBP (p = 0. 483); HBP (p = 0. 306), PGP(P = 0. 209)] between MPG and UCG respectively. At the end of the 6 weeks of intervention the independent t-test comparison of the post-treatment pain and disability scores of the participants in the MPG and UCG showed statistically significant difference in pain intensity score reduction [LBP (p = 0. 001), HBP (p = 0. 001), PGP (p = 0. 001)] and disability score reduction [LBP (p = 0. 001), HBP (p = 0. 001), PGP (p = 0. 001)] respectively. CONCLUSION: Addition of McKenzie protocol to usual care produced significant relief from back pain and disability of participants in the MPG at the end of six weeks intervention irrespective of back pain types. It is recommended that McKenzie protocol should be considered in the management of pregnancy- related back pain. Keywords: McKenzie protocol, usual care, pregnancy- related back pain.