摘要：Purpose. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 2-week physiotherapy treatment augmented with the McKenzie method in patients with lumbar discopathy. The influence of this treatment on progression in the mobility range of lumbar spine was investigated. Methods. Sixty patients aged 40–59 years diagnosed with lumbar discopathy were equally divided into group A (mean age: 51.4 years) and group B (mean age: 51.8 years). The McKenzie method was applied in group A and conservative physiotherapeutic treatment was administered to group B. Pre- and post-intervention measures of spinal range of motion were assessed with a Saunders digital inclinometer; pain intensity and nerve root irritation were also collected. The results were compared between groups. Results. Spinal mobility improved and pain was reduced in both groups albeit enhanced treatment outcomes were observed in group A compared with group B (p < 0.0001). Conclusions. The improved response in group A attests to the applicability of the McKenzie method in the treatment of lumbar discopathy. Post-treatment values did not meet clinical norms and may be a result of group characteristics at baseline (high pain level and impeded spinal mobility) or the limited intervention duration.
