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Table 1 Summarised description of the treatment programs

From: Effectiveness of the back school and mckenzie techniques in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain: a protocol of a randomised controlled trial

 

McKenzie Method

Back School Method

1 st week

-Presentation of the proposed methods, history, and general information about the Mckenzie method;

-Completion of the exercises after initial evaluation results and indication of preference: flexion, extension, or lateral shift of the spine;

-Educational component: basic information about the lower back and its structure; mechanical pain; how and why to do exercises; and types of responses that can occur in response to the exercise program;

-Guidance on completing the exercises at home.

-Presentation of the proposed methods, history, and general information about the Back School method;

-Anatomy and biomechanical concepts of the spine;

-Epidemiology;

-Muscle function and its influence on the spine;

-Physiopathology of the main disorders that negatively affect the back;

-Principal treatment modalities.

2 nd week

-Progression of the exercises defined after the 1st session and progression towards other positions in line with the responses of the patient.

-Educational component: basic information about the most common causes of low back pain, emphasising posture when seated for a prolonged time; practice on finding the correct seated position and maintenance of back lordosis in this position.

-Guidance on continuing exercises at home.

-Variation of the mechanical forces in different movements of the back;

-Relaxation posture;

-Guidance on positions when seated or standing;

-Instruction on breathing exercises, kinaesthetic training, stretching of the lower back, quadriceps, and hamstrings;

-Guidance on completing exercises at home once a day.

3 rd week

-Progression of the exercises defined after the 2nd session and progression towards other positions in line with the responses of the patient.

-Educational component: basic information about the most common causes of low back pain; emphasising work on bending positions; standing up; relaxing after vigorous activity; remaining in standing position for prolonged periods; lying down; and resting, coughing, and sneezing.

- Guidance on continuing the exercises at home.

-Observation of the exercises completed at home;

-Instruction on exercises for abdominal muscular strength;

-Practical application of techniques for joint protection;

- Guidance on how to perform the exercises at home once a day.

4 th week

-Progression of the exercises defined after the 3rd session and progression towards other positions in line with the responses of the patient.

-Educational component: review of the most important points since the first week.

-Practical application of all the exercises and learned techniques.