Indian Journal of Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy - An International Journal

Aim and Objectives: To assess and compare efficacy of Maitland's Spinal mobilizations versus McKenzie press-up exercises on pain, range of motion and functional disability in subjects with non radiating acute low back pain

Materials and Method: 30 patients in the age group 20–40 yrs. experiencing non radiating low back pain with duration less than 3 months were randomly assigned to either of the two groups- Group I-Maitland & Group II - McKenzie. Kinematic & functional assessment of the patients was done and level of pain measured on Numerical Rating Scale (NRS). Group I (15 subjects) received Posterior to Anterior (PA) mobilization and Group II (15 subjects) received McKenzie press-up exercises for five days continuously and post intervention assessments were recorded.

Result: Both groups showed statistically significant decline in pain (NRS), improvement in range of motion (ROM) and reduction in disability associated with LBP post five days of intervention. However, no statistically significant difference was found on comparing the two groups on the above mentioned outcome measures.

Conclusion: Maitland's PA mobilization and McKenzie press-up exercise resulted in a significant reduction in pain, increase in lumbar flexion range and an improvement in the function.