Comparative Effectiveness of Yoga Therapy, McKenzie Exercises, and Core Stability Training on Disability and Job Satisfaction in Individuals with Mechanical Low Back Pain

Background: Low back pain (LBP) affects nearly 80% of adults worldwide and is a major cause of disability, reduced job satisfaction, and economic burden. Mechanical low back pain, often associated with degenerative changes or disc prolapse, requires effective therapeutic strategies. Conventional physiotherapy and McKenzie exercises are widely used, while yoga therapy has recently emerged as a promising complementary approach focusing on both physical and psychological outcomes. Objective: To compare the effectiveness of yoga therapy practices, McKenzie exercises, and core stability exercises on disability and job satisfaction levels in subjects with mechanical low back pain. Methods: Ninety male participants with chronic mechanical low back pain were randomized into three groups: Group A (yoga therapy), Group B (McKenzie and core stability exercises), and Group C (control). The intervention lasted several weeks with structured sessions. Disability was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), while job satisfaction was measured using the Job Satisfaction Scale (Bubey, Uppal & Verma, 1989). Data were analyzed using ANOVA and Scheffé’s post hoc tests. Results: At baseline, no significant differences were observed among groups (F = 1.47, p > 0.05). Post-intervention, significant differences emerged in both disability (F = 196.69, p