The effectiveness of the McKenzie method in addition to first-line care for acute low back pain: a randomized controlled trial

Table 1 Characteristics of participants at baseline.

	McKenzie (N= 73)	First-line Care Group (N= 73)
Age	47.5 ± 14.4	45.9 ± 14.9
Sex (female)	38 (52%)	35 (48%)
Duration of current low back pain episode
Less than 2 weeks	48 (66%)	49 (67%)
From 2 to 6 weeks	25 (34%)	24 (33%)
Pain radiating to the leg	33 (45%)	36 (50%)
Pain is movement-dependant*	61 (84%)	58 (80%)
Previous episode of low back pain	54 (74%)	49 (67%)
Participating in moderate exercise^†	44 (60%)	46 (63%)
Taking medication (any types)	54 (74%)	52 (71%)
Using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs	28 (38%)	22 (30%)
Days off work or school due to low back pain	0.7 ± 1.4	0.8 ± 1.2
Compensation case (worker's compensation)	3 (4%)	1 (1%)
General health status
Excellent	11 (15%)	16 (22%)
Very good	35 (48%)	37 (51%)
Good	18 (25%)	17 (23%)
Fair	6 (8%)	2 (3%)
Poor	3 (4%)	1 (1%)
Pain^‡	6.6 ± 1.8	6.3 ± 1.9
Disability^§	13.7 ± 5.5	13.5 ± 5.3
Function^¶	3.7 ± 1.6	3.4 ± 1.8

Data are means ± standard deviations or frequencies (%).
*Positive answer to question 'Does your pain change in intensity or location depending on any position or movement?'.
^†Moderate exercise was any type of exercise performed for at least 30 min, three times per week or more.
^‡Numerical rating scale, scored from 0 (no pain) to 10 (worst pain possible).
^§Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, scored from 0 (no disability) to 24 (high disability).
^¶Patient Specific Functional Scale, scored from 0 (unable to perform activity) to 10 (able to perform activity at pre-injury level).
NSAIDs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

ISSN: 1741-7015