Influence of aquatic therapy method-based mckenzie and williams among patients with non-specific low back pain

Aims: The study investigated the influence of aquatic therapy method–based McKenzie and Williams among patients with nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP). Methods: Semi-experimental pre-test and post-test with a control group design trial was conducted at Aqua Centric Private Limited, India. Thirty-eight NSLBP patients (18 men and 20 women, age: 52.5 ± 7 years) were recruited. Aquatic therapy program developed based on McKenzie and Williams therapy was performed individually 3 days per week for 20 sessions. Therefore, the study compared an aquatic therapy group (based on McKenzie and Williams therapy) to a control group. Participants attended an aquatic therapy program under the supervision of an aquatic therapist. The Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS), Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ), and Straight Leg Raise Test (SLRT) were measured at the beginning, middle, and at the end of the 20sessions to determine pain and functionality of the patient’s improvement. Results: Overall, NPRS, RMDQ, and SLRT scores were improved in aquatic therapy group in the 10th session and 20th session compared with baseline (p ≤ 0.001) and control group (p ≤ 0.001). No difference in the treatment variables between the 10thsession and the 20th session was observed (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results indicated that the NSLBP symptom was improved after 20 sessions of aquatic therapy program developed based on McKenzie and Williams therapy.