In 2014, a study conducted by Mbada, et. al., which explains about Chronic low-back pain, particularly Long-term Mechanical Low-Back Pain (LMLBP), poses significant challenges to patients’ physical abilities and overall quality of life. In a groundbreaking study, Nigerian researchers explored how different exercise regimens, combined with the McKenzie Protocol (MP), impact Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) in LMLBP patients.

The study, a single-blind controlled trial, involved 84 participants who were treated three times a week for eight weeks. These individuals were divided into three groups through permuted randomization: the McKenzie Protocol Group (MPG), the McKenzie Protocol plus Static Back Endurance Exercise Group (MPSBEEG), and the McKenzie Protocol plus Dynamic Back Endurance Exercise Group (MPDBEEG). The researchers utilized the Short-Form (SF-36) questionnaire to assess HRQoL and the Quadruple Visual Analogue Scale to measure pain intensity.

Of the original 84 participants, 67 completed the study, with an average age of 51.8 years. The study noted a 20.2% dropout rate. Within-group comparisons over different periods (weeks 0-4, 4-8, and 0-8) revealed significant improvements in HRQoL scores (p < 0.05). Notably, Treatment Effect Scores (TES) across the groups showed significant differences (p = 0.001).

• MP plus Static Back Endurance Exercise (MPSBEEG) and MP plus Dynamic Back Endurance Exercise (MPDBEEG): Both groups showed comparable TES in General Health Perception (GHP) at week 4, and GHP and Physical Functioning at week 8 (p > 0.05).
• Dynamic Back Endurance Exercise (MPDBEEG): This group demonstrated significantly higher TES in other SF-36 domains (p = 0.001), indicating greater overall improvement in HRQoL.

The severity of pain in LMLBP patients correlates with decreased HRQoL. The study found that the McKenzie Protocol, whether combined with static or dynamic back endurance exercises, significantly enhanced HRQoL in these patients. However, integrating dynamic back endurance exercises with the McKenzie Protocol yielded the most substantial improvements in HRQoL.

This research underscores the potential of tailored exercise regimens to significantly enhance the quality of life for those suffering from chronic low-back pain. The findings advocate for the incorporation of dynamic endurance exercises in treatment protocols to achieve the best patient outcomes.

Reference: Mbada, C. E., Ayanniyi, O., Ogunlade, S. O., Orimolade, E. A., Oladiran, A. B., & Ogundele, A. O. (2014). Influence of Mckenzie protocol and two modes of endurance exercises on health-related quality of life of patients with long-term mechanical low-back pain. The Pan African Medical Journal, 17(Suppl 1).