Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Effectiveness of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy Versus Generalized Exercise for Reducing Pain in Surgeons With Chronic Spinal Pain

Surgeons frequently experience chronic spinal pain due to prolonged static postures and repetitive movements during surgical procedures. Exercise therapy is recommended, but it is unclear which type of exercise is most effective for this population. This randomized clinical trial will compare Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), also known as the McKenzie Method, with a structured program of generalized exercise in surgeons with chronic spinal pain who demonstrate a directional preference (i.e., movement in a specific direction that reduces symptoms). Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two interventions and followed for 26 weeks. The primary outcome is spinal pain intensity at 12 weeks measured on a 0-10 scale. Secondary outcomes include function, quality of life, and psychological factors. This pragmatic trial is conducted in outpatient physiotherapy settings and aims to determine whether an individualized exercise approach (MDT) is more effective than generalized exercise in this occupational group.

NCT Number	NCT07293130
Lead Sponsor	Claus Kjærgaard Collaborators: Aalborg University
Conditions	Chronic Spinal Pain
Enrollment	62 participants
Start Date	2026-03-30
Primary Completion	2027-09 (estimated)
Study Completion	2027-12 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-03-20