Maitland Mobilization vs. McKenzie Press-Up in Chronic LBP

ABSTRACT Objective:This study aimed to compare the efficacy of central posteroanterior (PA) Maitland mobilization with myofascial release (MFR) and McKenzie prone press-up (PPU) exercise with MFR in the treatment of adult patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP). Materials and Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted at Salhab Center and Al Shifa's Specialized Complex in Bethlehem between January 2023 and May 2024. The study included 50 adult patients (aged 18-50) with CNLBP of more than 3 months but less than 2 years' duration, referred by an orthopedic specialist at Beit Sahour Medical Center. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: one received central PA Maitland mobilization with MFR, and the other received McKenzie PPU exercise with MFR. Pain intensity, functional impairment, and fear-avoidance beliefs were assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire (FABQ). Each patient underwent three sessions per week for four weeks.