BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Low back pain is a common health problem that negatively affects the physical functions(1,2). 
The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of hyperextension exercises on pain and physical functions in patients with lumbar disc herniation. 
METHODS: In our study, 48 female patients aged between 18-45 years who were diagnosed with lumbar disc herniation in the L4-S1 interval were randomly divided into two groups (Study Group and Control Group). Conventional Physical Therapy (Hot pack, Ultrasound, TENS) 15 sessions were applied to the participants in both groups. In addition to the participants in the study group, hyperextension exercises were performed. Pain severity (Visual Analogue Scale), performance level (five repetition sit-to-stand test), lower extremity mobility level (modified sit and reach test) were measured before treatment, after treatment and 3 months after treatment.
RESULTS: In groups, pain severity, performance level, mobility level improved after the treatment (p<0.05). In the third month after the treatment, pain intensity, lower extremity mobility improvement were maintained in the study group (p<0.05). When the groups were compared, a significant difference was found in favor of the study group in which hyperextension exercises were applied in all measurement parameters after the treatment (p<0.05). 
In all measurement parameters at 3 months after the treatment, the superiority of the groups was not found (p>0.05).
CONCLUSSION: It has been reported that hyperextension exercises are an effective method to reduce the severity of pain (3). The results of this study; hyperextension exercises have a positive effect on pain, performance level, mobility level in lumbar disc herniation. There is not enough literature knowledge about the effect of McKenzie hyperextension exercises on performance level and flexibility in patients with lumbar disc herniation. We think that our study is a resource that will provide information and shed light to physiotherapists working in this field.

We believe that this study will play an important role in the development of treatment protocols that can be applied in the treatment of low back pain, which is one of the most important health problems affecting the society, and the pathologies causing it. We think that the role of physiotherapists in the health care team will increase with the development of new treatment protocols.

REFERENCESS
1- Henchoz Y and Kailik A. Exercise and nonspecific low back pain: a literature review. Joint Bone Spine 2008; 75: 533–39.
2- May S and Johnson R. Stabilisation exercises for low back pain: a systematic review. Physiotherapy 2008; 94: 179–89.
3- Lumb MJ, Lategan L. A four-week home-based exercise program is effective in treating sub acute low back pain in adults. Sajsm 2018; 30(1):1-6

THE EFFECT OF HYPEREXTENSION EXERCISES ON PAIN AND PHYSICAL FUNCTIONS IN LUMBAR DISC HERNIATION