COMPARISON BETWEEN EFFECTIVENESS OF MCKENZIE EXERCISE WITH CONVENTIONAL THERAPY AND SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION (TRANSVERSE FRICTION MASSAGE) WITH CONVENTIONAL THERAPY OF NONSPECIFIC LOW BACK PAIN AMONG PHLEBOTOMIST”.

Abstract

Background: Phlebotomists face a high risk of developing non-specific low back pain due to prolonged standing and awkward bending positions during blood sample collection.

Objective: This study compared the effectiveness of McKenzie exercises versus soft tissue mobilization (transverse friction massage), both combined with conventional therapy, for non-specific low back pain among phlebotomists

Methodology: A pre-and-post experimental study was conducted in Hyderabad involving 30 male phlebotomists aged 21–52 years (pp. 28, 43). Participants were divided into two groups of 15 (p. 31). Both groups received conventional therapy consisting of TENS and heating pads for 15 minutes (p. 31). Group A performed McKenzie exercises for 2 weeks (p. 31). Group B received transverse friction massage for 20 minutes, 3 times a week for 2 weeks (p. 31). Pain and disability were evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI).

Results: Both groups showed a significant reduction in pain and disability scores (pp. 43-44). Group A’s mean VAS dropped from 5.73 to 3.13, and ODI dropped from 34.14 to 20.48 (p. 43). Group B's mean VAS dropped from 5.26 to 2.86, and ODI dropped from 34.39 to 21.76 (pp. 43-44). Post-treatment comparisons showed that Group B achieved slightly lower pain scores, while Group A showed slightly better improvement in functional disability (p. 44).

Conclusion: Both McKenzie exercises and soft tissue mobilization are highly effective treatment strategies for mitigating low back pain and reducing functional disability in working phlebotomists.