Comparing targeted thrust manipulation with general thrust manipulation in patients with low back pain. A general approach is as effective as a specific one. A randomised controlled trial. Issue 1 (5th October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McCarthy, Christopher J; Potter, Louise; Oldham, Jackie A
• Is Part Of: BMJ open sport & exercise medicine. Volume 5:Issue 1(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-10-05
• Subjects: back injuries -- physiotherapy -- sports physiotherapy; Sports medicine -- Periodicals; Exercise therapy -- Periodicals; 617.102705
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjsem-2019-000514
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2055-7647

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Spinal manipulation is commonly used to treat back pain. The application of spinal manipulation has traditionally involved an element of targeting the technique to a level of the spine where the proposed movement dysfunction is sited. We evaluated the effects of a targeted manipulative thrust versus a thrust applied generally to the lumbar region. Methods: A randomised controlled clinical trial in patients with low back pain following CONSORT (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) guidelines. Sixty subjects were randomly allocated to two groups: one group received a targeted manipulative thrust (n=29) and the other a general manipulation thrust (GT) (n=31) to the lumbar spine. Thrust was either localised to a clinician-defined symptomatic spinal level or an equal force was applied through the whole lumbosacral region. We measured pressure-pain thresholds (PPTs) using algometry and muscle activity (magnitude of stretch reflex) via surface electromyography. Numerical ratings of pain and Oswestry Disability Index scores were collected. Results: Repeated measures of analysis of covariance revealed no between-group differences in self-reported pain or PPT for any of the muscles studied. Summary: A GT procedure—applied without any specific targeting—was as effective in reducing participants' pain scores as targeted approaches. Trial registration number: ISRCTN11994230 .