Use of the McKenzie Method

As An Option in Rehabilitation Services

Luciana Hud
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kelly A. Stalker

Abstract
Background: Low back pain is a common ailment that affects 60-80% of all
individuals at some point in their lifetime (Hammer, Degerfeldt, & Denison,
2007). While it presents as a major health concern that often requires the
intervention of various healthcare services, there has been an increased
emphasis on identifying the most effective treatment approach. Objective:
Although rehabilitative professionals are likely to use a variety of treatment
modalities, it is unknown whether current practitioners are familiar with and
would even consider implementing one specific treatment: the McKenzie
Method. The purpose of this study was to examine the knowledge and
perceptions toward this specific movement therapy and its use in the
rehabilitation setting. Methodology: 39 rehabilitative practitioners who have
obtained a minimum of a Bachelors Degree in an Exercise Science or related
field and are in active clinical practice participated in this study. They completed
a 22 question online survey about their knowledge and use of the McKenzie
Method in their clinical setting. Results: Although 88.8% of subjects have heard
of the McKenzie Method, only 1 individual reported having McKenzie
certification. 64.5% of subjects rated the McKenzie Method as somewhat
beneficial for treating low back pain, while 58% of subjects considered the
McKenzie Method more beneficial in the acute phase of low back pain verses
the chronic phase. 93.5% of subjects believe the McKenzie Method does serve
as an effective tool in the rehabilitation setting.

Methodology
Participants
39 total participants
10 Males, 29 Females
22 Physical Therapists, 13 Athletic Trainers, 2 Physical Therapy
Assistants, 2 Occupational Therapists
Instrument:
22 question online survey distributed through SurveyMonkey.com
Questions included job position, employment setting, level of
education, current credentials, clinical practice experience, current
practices for low back pain, and current knowledge, perception, and
use of the McKenzie Method.

Results

Conclusions
100% of the male subjects were very familiar with the McKenzie Method
while there was more variability with familiarity among the female
respondents. (t=2.132, p=0.043).
Subjects with fewer (0-1 & 2-4) years in direct clinical practice have an
increased familiarity and current knowledge of the McKenzie Method
compared to those with more than 11+ years clinical experience.
(F= 3.692, p= 0.023).
Subjects who frequently encounter patients with LBP have a greater
knowledge of the McKenzie Method (F= 5.714, p=0.008), have
incorporated it in their current practice (F= 3.955, p=0.030), and perceive
it as a beneficial tool in treating LBP (F=4.652, p=0.018) compared to
subjects who sometimes encounter patients with LBP.
DPTs have a significantly greater knowledge of the McKenzine Method
than the other health care professionals (F = 9.073, p = 0.001).
Subjects rated cost for certification the most demanding category and
ease of use the least demanding. All other categories were of comparable
value.

Introduction

Although only 1 respondent attested to having certification, 93.5% of

subjects believe the McKenzie Method serves as an effective tool in the
clinical setting.

Although current literature has documented beneficial effects of various

forms of movement therapy, a lack of research regarding its use and
effectiveness still remains (Movement Therapy, 2002). While rehabilitative
healthcare professionals are likely to use a variety of different treatment
modalities, it is unknown whether current practitioners are familiar with a
specific movement therapy known as the McKenzie Method, and if they
would even consider implementing it in their practice.

Problem & Purpose

Further Research

Problem: Low back pain (LBP) is a common ailment that affects 6080% of all individuals at some point in their lifetime (Hammer,
Degerfeldt, & Denison, 2007). While it presents as a major health
concern that often requires the intervention of various healthcare
services, there has been an increased emphasis on identifying the most
effective treatment approach.

Future research would be useful in determining what level of training is

needed to utilize the McKenzie Method classification categories
effectively in ones practice.
To advance the development of optimal standards of care for the
treatment of low back pain, future research should also examine the
effectiveness of the most available treatments for low back pain to
determine which ones are viable to the rehabilitative setting.

Purpose: To determine rehabilitative practitioners familiarity and usage

of the McKenzie Method in their practice, and whether differences exist
between the level of knowledge and perception of the McKenzie Method
and gender, years of direct clinical practice, professional credentials,
frequency of encountering patients with low back pain, presence of
McKenzie certification, and highest level of degree.

Additionally, future trials should seek to confirm McKenzies beneficial

effects; especially in the long term range (Battie et al., 1994).

Special thanks to Kelly Stalker for mentorship with this research