Computer-aided combined movement examination of the lumbar spine and manual therapy implications: Case report. (February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Monie, A.P.; Barrett, C.J.; Price, R.I.; Lind, C.R.P.; Singer, K.P.
• Is Part Of: Manual therapy. Volume 21(2016:Feb.)
• Page Start: 297
• Page End: 302
• Publication Date: 2016-02
• Subjects: Lumbar spine -- Low back pain -- Combined movement examination -- Lumbar movement -- Manual therapy; Manipulation (Therapeutics) -- Periodicals; Physical therapy -- Periodicals; Neuromuscular diseases -- Treatment -- Periodicals; Manipulation, Orthopedic; Musculoskeletal Diseases -- therapy; Neuromuscular Diseases -- therapy; Physical Therapy; Manipulation (Thérapeutique) -- Périodiques; Physiothérapie -- Périodiques; Maladies neuromusculaires -- Traitement -- Périodiques; Manipulation (Therapeutics); Neuromuscular diseases -- Treatment; Physical therapy; Electronic journals; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 615.82
• DOI: 10.1016/j.math.2015.05.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1356-689X

Abstract

Abstract: Combined movement examination (CME) of the lumbar spine has been recommended for clinical examination as it confers information about mechanical pain patterns. However, little quantitative study has been undertaken to validate its use in manual therapy practice. This study used computer aided CME to develop a normal reference range, and to guide provisional diagnosis and management. Two cases were assessed, before and after manual therapy using CME, a pain Visual Analogue Scale, the Roland Morris Low Back Pain and Disability Questionnaire and the Short Form (SF-12) Health Survey. Diagnosis and management were guided by comparing each CME pattern with the age and gender matched reference range. Self-reports data and CME total change scores were markedly improved for both cases, particularly for the most painful and restricted CME directions. This report describes how computer-aided CME and a normal reference range may be used objectively to inform a diagnosis and as an outcome measure in cases of mechanical LBP. Future investigations of cases with specific lumbar pathologies are required to validate this concept. Highlights: Two cases of non-specific, mechanical low back pain were assessed. Combined movement examination of the low back was used as an objective measure. Both cases of low back pain were treated using manual therapy, guided by combined movement examination. Combined movement examination normal reference ranges and validated self-reports were used as outcome measures. Both cases demonstrated marked clinical improvements across all outcome measures.