The Mézières Method as a Novel Treatment for Elite Spanish Second-Division Soccer League Players With Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of 24 weeks of treatment with Mézières method in a Spanish elite second-division soccer team with low back pain (LBP), analyzing their state of back health, flexibility, pain, and steps speed.

Design: Double-blind randomized controlled trial.

Methods: A total of 20 players with LBP from the second soccer division league were allocated equally to the experimental and control groups (n = 10) as per selection criteria and participated in 2 different rehabilitation programs. The postural Mézières method was implemented in the experimental group, whereas the standard European treatment protocol for LBP was implemented in the control group. Both treatments had a twice weekly session of 40 minutes duration for 24 weeks consecutively with a follow-up in the fourth, 12th, and 24th weeks.

Results: Multivariate analysis of covariance with the baseline assessment as a covariance showed a significant difference between groups at the 12th and 24th weeks of the treatment for pain and back functionality. A relevant difference between the experimental and control groups was shown only at the 24th week of the treatment (P < .05) for back flexibility. A significant difference between groups was reported for the quality of life scale and steps speed at the 24th week of the treatment (P > .05).

Conclusion: The Mézières method showed a positive effect in the elite soccer athletes with nonspecific chronic LBP and can be used as an alternative treatment.

Keywords: back flexibility; postural treatment; reeducation; stretching.