Mckenzie therapy plus simplified Wuqinxi exercise for improving lumbar spine motor function in chronic low back pain: a randomized controlled trial protocol.

BACKGROUND: Chronic low back discomfort may result in functional restrictions that can be incapacitating and cause disruptions to family life. McKenzie therapy (MT) can reduce pain by improving the functional structure of the lumbar spine through exercise and posture, while the simplified Wuqinxis (WQXs) can play a dual role in adjusting physical form and mental state as a traditional Chinese medicine exercise. This study aims to combine the concepts of the two therapies, to develop a more effective and easy exercise prescription for the prevention and treatment of lower back pain, and to explore the biomechanical effects and clinical efficacy.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A randomized controlled trial will be conducted to compare the efficacy of WQXs with or without MT on patients with chronic low back pain. A total of 74 patients will be randomly assigned to an experimental group (MT and WQXs) and a control group (WQXs). Lumbar range of motion and health-related quality of life in patients with chronic low back pain will be assessed using the range of motion scale, visual analogue scale, and the SF-36 scale. Additionally, surface electromyography (sEMG) and isokinetic muscle strength testing will be employed to evaluate the mechanical properties of the core muscles in the lumbopelvic region. Consider a 20% dropout rate, 74 cases will be gathered in total, taking into account a 20% dropout rate.

RESULTS: to ascertain whether the exercise prescription combining the two therapies is effective for treating chronic low back pain.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, identifier ChiCTR2300075499.