COMPARATIVE EFFECTS OF FELDENKRAIS METHOD AND MCGILL BIG THREE EXERCISES ON PAIN, QUALITY OF LIFE, KINESIOPHOBIA, AND ENDURANCE IN CHRONIC NON-SPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN: A RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

Abstract

Chronic non-specific low back pain (CNSLBP) is associated with persistent pain, reduced trunk endurance, fear of movement, and impaired quality of life. This randomized clinical trial compared the effects of Feldenkrais Method exercises and McGill Big Three exercises on pain, quality of life, kinesiophobia, and trunk endurance in patients with CNSLBP. The study was conducted in the Physiotherapy Department of Society Hospital, Lahore. Forty participants were analyzed, with 20 participants in the Feldenkrais group and 20 in the McGill group. Both groups received a standardized baseline treatment consisting of a 10-minute moist hot pack and 10-minute transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, followed by their allocated exercise program three times weekly for six weeks. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and after six weeks using the McGill Pain Questionnaire, WHOQOL-BREF, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, and Sorensen Test. Both interventions produced significant within-group improvements in all outcomes (p<.001). In the Feldenkrais group, pain decreased from 31.60 ± 4.32 to 16.35 ± 3.46, quality of life increased from 46.80 ± 6.16 to 71.10 ± 6.16, kinesiophobia decreased from 50.15 ± 5.22 to 33.15 ± 4.45, and endurance increased from 61.60 ± 12.20 to 94.35 ± 12.39. In the McGill group, pain decreased from 31.70 ± 4.42 to 21.70 ± 3.40, quality of life increased from 46.80 ± 6.36 to 59.90 ± 5.53, kinesiophobia decreased from 50.25 ± 5.47 to 42.05 ± 4.68, and endurance increased from 62.10 ± 13.14 to 127.10 ± 12.76. Feldenkrais exercises were more effective for pain, quality of life, and kinesiophobia, whereas McGill exercises were more effective for endurance.