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Study aim
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Effect of motor control exercises with and without McKenzie therapy on kinesiophobia and pain self-efficacy in chronic low back pain patients
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Design
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A single-blind, controlled clinical trial with parallel groups, block-randomized (block size = 6), conducted on 48 patients with low back pain (24 per group).
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Settings and conduct
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Patients with chronic low back pain referred to the Mashhad Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center will be evaluated using the McKenzie method. Those with a directional preference for extension or lateral flexion will be randomly assigned to receive either electrotherapy with motor control exercises or the same program plus McKenzie exercises. Treatments will be provided three times per week for ten sessions, with reassessment at the end. Home exercises will be monitored, and the outcome assessor will be blinded to group allocation.
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Participants/Inclusion and exclusion criteria
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This single-blind, parallel, randomized controlled trial includes patients aged 20–50 years with chronic low back pain who show a directional preference for extension or lateral movements, moderate to severe kinesiophobia, and pain intensity above 3. Exclusion criteria include prior lumbar surgery or fracture, spinal malignancy or infection, pregnancy, spondylolisthesis, previous McKenzie therapy, lack of directional preference, sequestrated disc, contraindications to exercise, or poor compliance with home exercises.
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Intervention groups
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The intervention group will receive 10 sessions of electrotherapy plus motor control and McKenzie exercises, while the control group will receive electrotherapy and motor control exercises only.
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Main outcome variables
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Kinesiophobia and Pain self-efficacy