OBJECTIVE: This study compared efficacy of combinations of back muscles endurance exercise (BMEE) and McKenzie exercise (ME) and McKenzie back care education (MBE) in the management of long term mechanical low back pain (LBP). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A single-blind randomized controlled comparative trial was employed. Seventy three participants mean age 45.3 +/- 8.1 years were recruited for the study but only 53 completed the study. Participants in group A were treated with a combination of BMEE, ME and MBE. Group B: a combination BMEE and MBE. Group C: a combination of ME and MBE. Group D: MBE only. Participants were seen thrice weekly for 8 weeks. They were measured for pain intensity, lumbar flexibility, activities limitation and self esteem. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics of F-test. Significance was set at 0.05 alpha-level. RESULTS: At the end of the study, the four treatment groups had significant reduction in pain intensity p < 0.05. Post hoc analysis showed groups A, B, and C had significantly greater reduction than D, and groups A and C had significantly greater reduction than B. Groups A, B and C also had significant improvement in activities limitation p < 0.05. Post hoc analysis showed groups A, B and C had significantly greater improvement than D, and group B significantly greater improvement than C. CONCLUSION: Combination physiotherapy regimens proved effective in the management of long- term mechanical LBP. Regimen A is recommended in managing long-term mechanical LBP.

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