Zeitschrift für Bioingenieurwesen und biomedizinische Wissenschaft

Effect of Low Level Laser versus McKenzie Technique in Treatment of Chronic Low Back Pain

Abstract

Tarek F, Osama FA, Mohamed S and Ragia MK

Background: Lower back pain refers to the pain and discomfort, which is usually, localized in between costal margin and inferior gluteal folds. Occasionally it is accompanied with pain in the leg too.

Patients: Forty five patients with chronic low back pain (mean age 40.5±years, height 167±cm, weight 82.5±kg, and BM 29±kg/m²) participated in this study.

Patients and methods: Patients were categorized into 3 different equal groups (15 nos); group (A) received low level laser, group (B) received McKenzie technique and group(C) received traditional electrotherapy and functioned as the control group. Data of visual analogue scale (VAS), patient specific functional Scale and (ROM) scores were collected from each patient pre and post the administration of physiotherapy.

Results: Statistical analysis using paired student t-test and unpaired student t-test showed significant differences in the VAS and PSFS values recorded pre and post treatment in both groups A and B. There was significant difference in improvement in pain; ROM and functional disability in laser group (A) than in McKenzie technique group (B).

Conclusion: The physiotherapy program is not only effective for the patients having chronic lower back pain, it also helped in improving functional disability of the patients, especially when low level laser or McKenzie technique are added to the treatment program.