Korean J Sports Med.  2022 Sep;40(3):170-178. 10.5763/kjsm.2022.40.3.170.

Effects of Williams Exercise and McKenzie Exercise on Pain Level and Oswestry Disability Index in Chronic Low Back Pain Patients

• Ko DH

• KMID: 2532894
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5763/kjsm.2022.40.3.170

Abstract

Purpose
This study was performed to investigate the effect of the intervention of Williams exercise and McKenzie exercise on pain level or disability index in patients with chronic low back pain.
Methods
A total of 119 patients (male, 52; female, 67) with spinal disorders over the age of 45 years who were treated for back pain in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and pain clinic. It was divided into Williams exercise group (WE group, n=61) and McKenzie exercise group (ME group, n=58), and the trained exercise program was performed for 8 weeks. Twice a day, exercise for at least 30 minutes. Measurement tools include the visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).
Results
Both the WE and ME groups showed a statistically significant decrease in VAS and ODI scores. In the case of ODI, the ME group showed more effect. In detail, the WE group had a greater exercise effect on the ‘standing’ and ‘walking’ items, and the ME group had a greater exercise effect on the ‘sitting’ and ‘sleeping’ items.
Conclusion
Williams exercise and McKenzie exercise for 8 weeks in patients with chronic low back pain have an effect on the patients’ subjective pain and ODI. In particular, Williams exercise can be recommended for patients who have difficulty standing or walking. In addition, McKenzie exercise can be recommended for patients who have a hard time sitting daily.

Keyword

Low back pain; Williams exercise; McKenzie exercise; Visual analog scale; Oswestry Disability Index

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Williams exercise program.

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  Fig. 2 McKenzie exercise program.

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