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. 2025 Aug 7;17(8):e89541.
doi: 10.7759/cureus.89541. eCollection 2025 Aug.

Effect of Kinetic Control Training and McKenzie's Approach on Pain and Mobility in Cervical Derangement Syndrome: A Comparative Study

Shamika S Baraskar  1 , Sandeep Shinde  1
Affiliations

Effect of Kinetic Control Training and McKenzie's Approach on Pain and Mobility in Cervical Derangement Syndrome: A Comparative Study

Shamika S Baraskar et al. Cureus. .

Abstract

Background: Cervical derangement syndrome (CDS), a form of mechanical neck pain, arises from poor posture, repetitive stress, and segmental dysfunction, resulting in discomfort, restricted cervical mobility, and reduced functional capacity. The study focuses on changes associated with CDS, particularly range of motion (ROM), pain, and functional disability. The study aims to find the effect of kinetic control training (KCT) and the McKenzie approach on CDS. The McKenzie approach emphasizes symptom centralization through repeated directional movements, while KCT focuses on restoring movement efficiency via motor control retraining. This study compares their effectiveness in managing CDS.

Objectives: The study aimed to determine the effect of KCT and the McKenzie approach on pain, functional disability, and ROM in individuals suffering from CDS.

Methods: A comparative study was conducted involving 112 participants diagnosed with CDS. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups using the envelope method. Group A (McKenzie) and Group B (KCT), with 56 participants in each group initially. Following the exclusion of six participants, the final sample consisted of 53 participants in Group A and 53 in Group B. Both groups received baseline conventional therapy followed by six weeks of their respective interventions. Pre- and post-intervention outcome measures included the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and cervical ROM. Statistical analysis was conducted using paired and unpaired t-tests via IBM SPSS Statistics, version 26.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY).

Results: The findings demonstrated statistically significant enhancements in pain intensity, functional capacity, and cervical ROM in both groups. But Group B (KCT) demonstrated superior outcomes (p < 0.0001). In Group B (activity), VAS, NDI, and ROM improved significantly in all directions compared to Group A (McKenzie).

Conclusion: The study concluded that a six-week intervention of KCT is more effective than the McKenzie approach in reducing pain and enhancing functional capacity and cervical mobility in individuals with CDS.

Keywords: cervical vertebrae; chronic pain; intervertebral disc displacement; neck pain; rehabilitation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Human subjects: Informed consent for treatment and open access publication was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional ethics committee of Krishna Vishwa Vidyapeeth issued approval (025/2023-2024). Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Study flowchart
Figure 2
Figure 2. Demonstration of cervical retraction exercise in a seated position, used in the McKenzie approach-based intervention
Figure 3
Figure 3. Arm extension exercise in the standing position used in kinetic control training exercise program
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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