02245nas a2200181   4500000000100000008004100001653002400042653001200066100001600078700001400094700001600108700002100124245011100145300003700256490000700293050000600300520175700306       2006                            d10aPeer Reviewed Paper10aChecked1 aFerreira P.1 aMacedo L.1 ade Souza M.1 aFerreira Manuela00aThe McKenzie method for low back pain: a systematic review of the literature with a meta-analysis approach  aE254-E262. [Impact Factor 2.499]0 v31  aN3 a<p>
STUDY DESIGN AND OBJECTIVES: Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to evaluate the effectiveness of the McKenzie method for low back pain (LBP). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The McKenzie method is a popular classification-based treatment for LBP. The faulty equation of McKenzie to extension exercises (generic McKenzie) is common in randomized trials. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, PEDro, and LILACS were searched up to August 2003. Two independent reviewers extracted the data and assessed methodologic quality. Pooled effects were calculated among homogeneous trials using the random effects model. A sensitivity analysis excluded trials reporting on generic McKenzie. RESULTS: Eleven trials of mostly high quality were included. McKenzie reduced pain (weighted mean difference [WMD] on a 0- to 100-point scale, -4.16 points; 95% confidence interval, -7.12 to -1.20) and disability (WMD on a 0- to 100-point scale, -5.22 points; 95% confidence interval, -8.28 to -2.16) at 1 week follow-up when compared with passive therapy for acute LBP. When McKenzie was compared with advice to stay active, a reduction in disability favored advice (WMD on a 0- to 100-point scale, 3.85 points; 95% confidence interval, 0.30 to 7.39) at 12 weeks of follow-up. Heterogeneity prevented pooling of studies on chronic LBP as well as pooling of studies included in the sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSIONS: There is some evidence that the McKenzie method is more effective than passive therapy for acute LBP; however, the magnitude of the difference suggests the absence of clinically worthwhile effects. There is limited evidence for the use of McKenzie method in chronic LBP. The effectiveness of classification-based McKenzie is yet to be established.
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