Effects and experience with the Mézières method in people with low back pain: A mixed methods study.

Abstract

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most common reasons for visiting the doctor. The Mézières method (MM) emphasises body awareness and uses a global postural rehabilitation approach. It is used in the management of LBP, but its effectiveness has received limited formal evaluation. To determine the effects of MM on quality of life, pain and functional disability in people with LBP and understand the patient's bodily experience during the MM intervention. This protocol study of single-blind randomised controlled trial with a mixed methods design will include 54 people with LBP aged 18 to 65 years. Participants will be randomised into two groups, one will receive MM and the other will receive a control intervention, administered through 10 treatment sessions. Participants will also construct a narrative to provide an understanding of their bodily experience. The assessed outcomes will include pain, back pain-related disability assessed using the Roland Morris Questionnaire, and quality of life related to health assessed using the SF12. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline, after the intervention and at a 6 weeks follow-up.