Mechanism of Action of Spinal Mobilizations: A Systematic Review

Restoration of normal central pain processing following manual therapy in nonspecific chronic neck pain

OBJECTIVE

To determine if a 4-week manual therapy treatment restores normal functioning of central pain processing mechanisms in non-specific chronic neck pain (NSCNP), as well as the existence of a possible relationship between changes in pain processing mechanisms and clinical outcome.

DESIGN

Cohort study.

METHODS

Sixty-three patients with NSCNP, comprising 79% female, with a mean age of 45.8 years (standard deviation: 14.3), received four treatment sessions (once a week) of manual therapy including articular passive mobilizations, soft tissue mobilization and trigger point treatment. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs), conditioned pain modulation (CPM) and temporal summation of pain (TSP) were evaluated at baseline and after treatment completion. Therapy outcome was measured using the Global Rating of Change Scale (GROC), the Neck disability Index (NDI), intensity of pain during the last 24 hours, Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) and Pain Catastrophizing Scale (PCS). Two sets of generalized linear mixed models with Gaussian response and the identity link were employed to evaluate the effect of the intervention on clinical, psychological and psychophysical measures and the association between psychophysical and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Following treatment, an increased CPM response (Coefficient: 0.89; 95% credibility interval = 0.14 to 1.65; P = .99) and attenuated TSP (Coefficient: -0.63; 95% credibility interval = -0.82 to -0.43; P = 1.00) were found, along with amelioration of pain and improved clinical status. PPTs at trapezius muscle on the side of neck pain were increased after therapy (Coefficient: 0.22; 95% credibility interval = 0.03 to 0.42; P = .98), but not those on the contralateral trapezius and tibialis anterior muscles. Only minor associations were found between normalization of TSP/CPM and measures of clinical outcome.

CONCLUSION

Clinical improvement after manual therapy is accompanied by restoration of CPM and TSP responses to normal levels in NSCNP patients. The existence of only minor associations between changes in central pain processing and clinical outcome suggests multiple mechanisms of action of manual therapy in NSCNP.

Effects of spinal mobilization on physical function in patients with stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to identify, critically appraise, and synthesize current evidence regarding the effects of spinal mobilization on physical function in patients with stroke. Three databases, PubMed, Embase, and Scopus, were searched from inception to March 15, 2024. Randomized controlled trials comparing the effects of spinal mobilization to conventional therapy were eligible for inclusion. Methodological quality was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. Meta-analyses were performed to determine the effects of spinal mobilization. Nine randomized controlled trials were included, with a total of 294 patients with stroke. All included studies were evaluated as good or above for quality assessment. No adverse events related to spinal mobilization were reported. Compared to conventional therapy, spinal mobilization demonstrated significantly improved forward head posture (SMD: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.53 to 1.46, p < 0.001); there were no between-group differences on forced vital capacity (SMD: 0.44, 95% CI: -0.01 to 0.88, p = 0.06), forced expiratory volume (SMD: 0.33, 95% CI: -0.12 to 0.77, p = 0.15), balance (SMD: 0.36, 95% CI: -0.04 to 0.77, p = 0.08), gait speed (SMD: 0.48, 95% CI: -0.44 to 1.40, p = 0.31), and trunk function (SMD: 0.79, 95% CI: -0.17 to 1.75, p = 0.11). Cervical mobilization significantly improved forward head posture; however, no significant differences were found in other outcomes. Clinicians may consider spinal mobilization as an adjunctive intervention in stroke rehabilitation to address posture-related impairments to expand treatment strategy and optimize quality of care.

A modern way to teach and practice manual therapy

BACKGROUND

Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading contributor to global disability and health burden. Manual therapy (MT) interventions are commonly recommended in clinical guidelines and used in the management of musculoskeletal conditions. Traditional systems of manual therapy (TMT), including physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, and soft tissue therapy have been built on principles such as clinician-centred assessment, patho-anatomical reasoning, and technique specificity. These historical principles are not supported by current evidence. However, data from clinical trials support the clinical and cost effectiveness of manual therapy as an intervention for musculoskeletal conditions, when used as part of a package of care.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this paper is to propose a modern evidence-guided framework for the teaching and practice of MT which avoids reference to and reliance on the outdated principles of TMT. This framework is based on three fundamental humanistic dimensions common in all aspects of healthcare: safety, comfort, and efficiency. These practical elements are contextualised by positive communication, a collaborative context, and person-centred care. The framework facilitates best-practice, reasoning, and communication and is exemplified here with two case studies.

METHODS

A literature review stimulated by a new method of teaching manual therapy, reflecting contemporary evidence, being trialled at a United Kingdom education institute. A group of experienced, internationally-based academics, clinicians, and researchers from across the spectrum of manual therapy was convened. Perspectives were elicited through reviews of contemporary literature and discussions in an iterative process. Public presentations were made to multidisciplinary groups and feedback was incorporated. Consensus was achieved through repeated discussion of relevant elements.

CONCLUSIONS

Manual therapy interventions should include both passive and active, person-empowering interventions such as exercise, education, and lifestyle adaptations. These should be delivered in a contextualised healing environment with a well-developed person-practitioner therapeutic alliance. Teaching manual therapy should follow this model.

Association between myofascial trigger point therapy and conditioned pain modulation

INTRODUCTION

Myofascial trigger point therapy (MTrP) is a widely used therapeutic approach, although the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Mechanisms discussed include peripheral involvement of muscles as well as central pain modulating processes such as the conditioned pain modulation (CPM). The aim of this study was to investigate whether the analgesic response of MTrP and the analgesic response of CPM correlate in asymptomatic participants in order to identify shared underlying mechanisms of MTrP and CPM.

METHOD

Both, CPM and MTrP protocols consisted of heat-based test stimuli (heat pain thresholds before and after the intervention) and pressure-based (conditioning) stimuli. Asymptomatic participants (n = 94) were randomly assigned to receive either mild, intense or no pressure stimuli (between-group design) to both the fingernail and the MTrP of the infraspinatus muscle (within-group design). Pressure stimuli at both locations (fingernail, MTrP) were applied with a pressure algometer for 120 s and continuously adjusted to maintain a constant pain intensity of mild or intense pain. All thermal stimuli were applied on the lower leg with a thermal stimulator.

RESULTS

A significant correlation was shown between the analgesic effect of CPM and MTrP therapy for mild (r = 0.53, p = 0.002) and intensive stimuli (r = 0.73, p < 0.001). 17.3% of the variance of the MTrP effect were explained by CPM after mild stimulation, and 47.1% after intense stimulation. Pain-related characteristics did not explain the variance within the analgesic response using a regression analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Between the analgesic responses following MTrP and CPM paradigms, a moderate to strong correlation was observed, suggesting shared underlying mechanisms.

Vertebral Subluxation and Systems Biology: An Integrative Review Exploring the Salutogenic Influence of Chiropractic Care on the Neuroendocrine-Immune System

In this paper we synthesize an expansive body of literature examining the multifaceted influence of chiropractic care on processes within and modulators of the neuroendocrine-immune (NEI) system, for the purpose of generating an inductive hypothesis regarding the potential impacts of chiropractic care on integrated physiology. Taking a broad, interdisciplinary, and integrative view of two decades of research-documented outcomes of chiropractic care, inclusive of reports ranging from systematic and meta-analysis and randomized and observational trials to case and cohort studies, this review encapsulates a rigorous analysis of research and suggests the appropriateness of a more integrative perspective on the impact of chiropractic care on systemic physiology. A novel perspective on the salutogenic, health-promoting effects of chiropractic adjustment is presented, focused on the improvement of physical indicators of well-being and adaptability such as blood pressure, heart rate variability, and sleep, potential benefits that may be facilitated through multiple neurologically mediated pathways. Our findings support the biological plausibility of complex benefits from chiropractic intervention that is not limited to simple neuromusculoskeletal outcomes and open new avenues for future research, specifically the exploration and mapping of the precise neural pathways and networks influenced by chiropractic adjustment.

Effectiveness of neural mobilisation for the treatment of nerve-related cervicobrachial pain: a systematic review with subgroup meta-analysis

ABSTRACT

Neural mobilisations (NM) have been advocated for the treatment of nerve-related cervicobrachial pain; however, it is unclear what types of patients with nerve-related cervicobrachial pain (if any) may benefit. Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, PeDro, Cinahl, and Cochrane databases were searched from inception until December 2022. Randomised controlled trials were included if they assessed the effectiveness of NM in nerve-related cervicobrachial pain, and outcome measures were pain intensity and/or disability. Studies were classified according to their inclusion/exclusion criteria as radiculopathy , Wainner cluster , Hall , and Elvey cluster or other . Meta-analyses with subgroup analyses were performed. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Rob2 tool. Twenty-seven studies were included. For pain and disability reduction, NM was found to be more effective than no treatment (pooled pain mean difference [MD] = -2.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = -3.81 to -1.81; pooled disability standardized mean difference = -1.55, 95% CI = -2.72 to -0.37), increased the effectiveness of standard physiotherapy as an adjuvant when compared with standard physiotherapy alone (pooled pain MD = -1.44, 95% CI = -1.98 to -0.89; pooled disability MD = -11.07, 95% CI = -16.38 to -5.75) but was no more effective than cervical traction (pooled pain MD = -0.33, 95% CI = -1.35 to 0.68; pooled disability MD = -10.09, 95% CI = -21.89 to 1.81). For disability reduction, NM was found to be more effective than exercise (pooled MD = -18.27, 95% CI = -20.29 to -17.44). In most comparisons, there were significant differences in the effectiveness of NM between the subgroups. Neural mobilisations was consistently more effective than all alternative interventions (no treatment, traction, exercise, and standard physiotherapy alone) in 13 studies classified as Wainner cluster . PROSPERO registration: CRD42022376087.

Spinal manipulation does not improve short-term pain and function in persons with painful shoulder: a systematic review with meta-analysis

PURPOSE

To investigate the benefit of spinal high-velocity low-amplitude thrust (HVLAT) in improving pain and disability in persons with painful shoulder as primary outcomes. Function, quality of life, persons (and clinicians) satisfaction, adverse events rate, and time for recovery were secondary outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted and MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Embase, and PEDro until 20 September 2023 were investigated. Two thousand eight hundred and ninety-nine records were retrieved and nine studies were included. Risk of bias of included studies was assessed through the Revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. The certainty of evidence of the pooled results was graded with GRADE approach.

RESULTS

The analysis included nine studies (441 persons). The pooled results showed non-significant differences between HVLAT versus sham in pain at pre-post follow-up (MD -0.13, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.60; 0.35; p = 0.61, I2 = 0%), and at <4 days follow-up (SMD 0.16, 95%CI -0.16; 0.48; p = 0.34, I2 = 23%); in function at <4 days follow-up (SMD -0.29, 95%CI -0.69; 0.11; p = 0.16, I2 = 50%). The certainty of evidence ranged from low to very low.

CONCLUSIONS

HVLAT was not more effective than sham in improving pain and function at pre-post and at <4 days follow-up. When used as an "add-on technique", HVLAT did not improve pain nor disability.

An overview of systematic reviews examining the quantitative sensory testing-derived hypoalgesic effects of manual therapy for musculoskeletal pain

BACKGROUND

Changes in quantitative sensory testing (QST) after manual therapy can provide insight into pain relief mechanisms. Prior systematic reviews have evaluated manual-therapy-induced QST change. This overview of systematic reviews aims to consolidate this body of literature and critically review evidence on the hypoalgesic effects of manual therapy in clinical populations.

METHODS

A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, CINAHL, PsycInfo, and Embase. Peer-reviewed systematic reviews with or without meta-analysis were eligible if the reviews examined the effect of manual therapy compared to non-manual therapy interventions on QST outcomes in clinical populations. Methodological quality was assessed with the AMSTAR 2 tool. Meta-analysis results and qualitative (non-meta-analysis) interpretations were summarized by type of manual therapy. Overlap of studies was examined with the corrected covered area (CCA) index.

RESULTS

Thirty systematic reviews, including 11 meta-analyses, met inclusion. There was a slight overlap in studies (CCA of 1.72% for all reviews and 1.69% for meta-analyses). Methodological quality was predominantly low to critically low. Eight (27%) reviews examined studies with a range of manual therapy types, 13 (43%) reviews focused on joint-biased manual therapy, 7 (23%) reviews focused on muscle-biased manual therapy, and 2 (7%) reviews focused on nerve-biased manual therapy. Twenty-nine (97%) reviews reported on pressure pain threshold (PPT). Meta-analytic results demonstrated conflicting evidence that manual therapy results in greater hypoalgesic effects compared to other interventions or controls.

CONCLUSION

Our overview of QST effects, which has relevance to mechanisms underlying hypoalgesia, shows conflicting evidence from mostly low to critically low systematic reviews.

Does manual therapy meaningfully change quantitative sensory testing and patient reported outcome measures in patients with musculoskeletal impairments related to the spine?: A 'trustworthy' systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

To perform a 'trustworthy' systematic review (SR) with meta-analysis on the potential mechanisms of manual therapy used to treat spinal impairments.

DESIGN

SR with meta-analysis.

LITERATURE SEARCH

Articles published between January 2010 and October 2022 from CENTRAL, CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed, ProQuest, and PEDro.

METHODS

This SR included English-language randomized clinical trials (RCTs) involving manual therapy to treat spinal impairments in adults. The primary outcome was pressure pain thresholds (PPTs). To synthesize RCTs with high confidence in estimated effects using the GRADE, RCTs with questionable prospective, external, and internal validity, and high risk of bias (RoB) were excluded.

RESULTS

Following title and abstract screening, 89 full-text RCTs were reviewed. Twenty-two studies included the criteria of interest. Sixteen were not prospectively registered, two contained discussion/conclusions judged to be inconsistent with the registry, and one was rated as having a high RoB. Three studies met the inclusion criteria; heterogeneous interventions and locations for PPT testing prevented synthesis into practice recommendations. The two studies with high confidence in estimated effects had small effect sizes, and one study had confidence intervals that crossed zero for the outcome measures of interest.

DISCUSSION

Standardized PPT testing, as a potential measure of centrally mediated pain, could provide clues regarding the mechanisms of manual therapy or help identify/refine research questions.

CONCLUSION

High-quality RCTs could not be synthesized into strong conclusions secondary to the dissimilarity in research designs. Future research regarding quantitative sensory testing should develop RCTs with high confidence in estimated effects that can be translated into strong recommendations.

Postural adaptations within normalized stability between older adults with and without chronic low back pain

BACKGROUND

Adaptations of dynamic balance performance are related to sway excursions in older adults with chronic low back pain (LBP). However, there is a lack of understanding on postural control within different thresholds of radius from the center of pressure (COP).

PURPOSE

This study was conducted to compare the normalized stability based on the time-in-boundary (TIB) during repeated unilateral limb standing trials between subjects with and without chronic LBP.

METHODS

There were 26 older adults with LBP and 39 control subjects who completed three trials of repeated unilateral limb standing on a force plat.

RESULTS

The TIB based on the seven thresholds was analyzed, and the groups demonstrated a significant interaction on thresholds for TIB (F = 8.76, p = 0.01). The TIB was significantly different in the 10 mm (F = 4.01, p = 0.04), 15 mm (F = 5.21, p = 0.03), and 20 mm (F = 4.48, p = 0.04) radius of thresholds only in the second trial. However, there was no group difference on TIB at the first and third trials due to potential compensatory and/or adaptive reactions to avoid fall risks.

CONCLUSION

The LBP group lacked postural stability within the thresholds less than a 20 mm radius at the second trial of unilateral standing. The significant group interaction with the thresholds indicates an adaptation strategy on sway thresholds. This postural reaction from repeated trials should be considered with sway excursion adjustments and fall prevention in older adults with LB.

Effects of matched vs. unmatched physical therapy interventions on pain or disability in patients with neck pain - a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The interventions performed in most randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on neck pain patients are standardized, irrespective of the high heterogeneity of patients. However, clinicians tend to choose an intervention based on the patients' clinical characteristics, and thus match the treatment to the patient.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effectiveness of interventions matched to the clinical characteristics of patients with neck pain versus the same, but unmatched treatment for improving pain or disability.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-analysis conducted following Cochrane guidelines.

METHODS

Databases searches were performed from inception to September 2023. RCTs were included if the patients in the experimental group received a treatment matched to clinical presentation or to clinicians' assessment, if the patients in the control group received a similar but unmatched treatment, and if pain or disability were reported as outcome measures.

RESULTS

The literature search produced 9516 records of which 27 met the inclusion criteria. Matched exercise therapy was superior to unmatched exercise for pain (SMD -0.57; 95% CI -0.95, -0.18) and for disability (SMD -0.69; 95% CI -1.14, -0.23) at short term, but not at intermediate-term follow-up. Matched manual treatment was not superior to unmatched manual therapy for pain or for disability at short or intermediate-term follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

Results suggest that matching exercise to movement limitation, trapezius myalgia, or forward head position may lead to better outcomes in the short term, but not in the intermediate-term. Matched manual therapy was not superior to unmatched treatment either short or intermediate-term. Further research is warranted to verify if those criteria are potentially useful matching criteria.

The combined effects of manual therapy and exercise on pain and related disability for individuals with nonspecific neck pain: A systematic review with meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Neck pain is among the most prevalent and costly musculoskeletal disorders. Manual therapy and exercise are two standard treatment approaches to manage neck pain. In addition, clinical practice guidelines recommend a multi-modal approach, including both manual therapy and exercise for the treatment of neck pain; however, the specific effects of these combined interventions have not recently been reported in the literature.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine the effect of manual therapy combined with exercise on pain, disability, and quality of life in individuals with nonspecific neck pain.

DESIGN

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

METHODS

Electronic database searches were completed in PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE, Ovid, and SportDiscus, with publication dates of January 2000 to December 2022. The risk of bias in the included articles was completed using the Revised Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool (RoB 2). Raw data were pooled using standardized mean differences and mean differences for pain, disability, and quality of life outcomes, and forest plots were computed in the meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Twenty-two studies were included in the final review. With moderate certainty of evidence, three studies demonstrated no significant difference between manual therapy plus exercise and manual therapy alone in pain (SMD of -0.25 (95% CI: -0.52, 0.02)) or disability (-0.37 (95% CI: -0.92, 0.18)). With a low certainty of evidence, 16 studies demonstrated that manual therapy plus exercise is significantly better than exercise alone for reducing pain (-0.95 (95%CI: -1.38, -0.51)). Similarly, with low certainty of evidence, 13 studies demonstrated that manual therapy plus exercise is significantly better than exercise alone for reducing disability (-0.59 (95% CI: -0.90, -0.28)). Four studies demonstrated that manual therapy plus exercise is significantly better than a control intervention for reducing pain (moderate certainty) (-2.15 (95%CI: -3.58, -0.73)) and disability (low certainty) (-2.39 (95% CI: -3.80, -0.98)). With a high certainty of evidence, four studies demonstrated no significant difference between manual therapy plus exercise and exercise alone in quality of life (SMD of -0.02 (95% CI: -0.21, 0.18)).

CONCLUSION

Based on this systematic review and meta-analysis, a multi-modal treatment approach including exercise and manual therapy appears to provide similar effects as manual therapy alone, but is more effective than exercise alone or other interventions (control, placebo, 'conventional physical therapy', etc.) for the treatment of nonspecific neck pain and related disability. Some caution needs to be taken when interpreting these results given the general low to moderate certainty of the quality of the evidence.

Spinal mobilization force-time characteristics: A scoping literature review

BACKGROUND

Spinal mobilization (SMob) is often included in the conservative management of spinal pain conditions as a recommended and effective treatment. While some studies quantify the biomechanical (kinetic) parameters of SMob, interpretation of findings is difficult due to poor reporting of methodological details. The aim of this study was to synthesise the literature describing force-time characteristics of manually applied SMob.

METHODS

This study is reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) statement. Databases were searched from inception to October 2022: MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, CINAHL, ICL, PEDro and Cochrane Library. Data were extracted and reported descriptively for the following domains: general study characteristics, number of and characteristics of individuals who delivered/received SMob, region treated, equipment used and force-time characteristics of SMob.

RESULTS

There were 7,607 records identified and of these, 36 (0.5%) were included in the analysis. SMob was delivered to the cervical spine in 13 (36.1%), the thoracic spine in 3 (8.3%) and the lumbopelvic spine in 18 (50.0%) studies. In 2 (5.6%) studies, spinal region was not specified. For SMob applied to all spinal regions, force-time characteristics were: peak force (0-128N); duration (10-120s); frequency (0.1-4.5Hz); and force amplitude (1-102N).

CONCLUSIONS

This study reports considerable variability of the force-time characteristics of SMob. In studies reporting force-time characteristics, SMob was most frequently delivered to the lumbar and cervical spine of humans and most commonly peak force was reported. Future studies should focus on the detailed reporting of force-time characteristics to facilitate the investigation of clinical dose-response effects.

Articular mobilization promotes improvement in functional and inflammatory parameters in a gouty arthritis model

OBJECTIVE

Gouty arthritis is characterized by painful inflammation due to the deposition of monosodium urate crystals in joint tissues. Despite available treatments, many patients experience ineffective management and adverse effects. This study evaluated a manual therapy protocol involving passive joint mobilization at the peak of inflammation in a gouty arthritis model using functional and inflammatory parameters.

METHODS

Twenty male Wistar rats, 12 weeks old, were divided into two groups (n=10 each): Gouty Arthritis and Control Groups, which were further subdivided into treated and untreated groups (n=5 each). The Gouty Arthritis Group received intraarticular knee injection of 50µL of monosodium urate crystals, while the Control Group received 50µL of phosphate buffered saline. The treatment involved a 9-minutes session of grade III joint mobilization (according to Maitland). Nociception, grip strength, and edema were evaluated before induction (EV0), 7 hours after assessment (EV1), immediately after treatment (EV2), and 1 hour after treatment (EV3). The animals were euthanized, and synovial fluid was collected to analyze leukocyte migration.

RESULTS

The model mimicked the signs of the Gouty Arthritis Group, with a decrease in the threshold of nociception and strength and an increase in edema and leukocyte count. The mobilization protocol significantly increased the nociceptive threshold and grip strength and reduced edema; however, it did not reverse the increase in leukocyte count.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that mobilization promotes analgesia and may modulate the inflammatory process owing to reduced edema and subtle attenuation of cell migration, which contributes to strength gain.

Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Nonspecific Low Back Pain: Does Targeting a Specific Vertebral Level Make a Difference?: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to examine whether targeting spinal manipulative therapy (SMT), by applying the intervention to a specific vertebral level, produces superior clinical outcomes than a nontargeted approach in patients with nonspecific low back pain. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis. LITERATURE SEARCH: MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus, PEDro, and Index to Chiropractic Literature were searched up to May 31, 2023. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials comparing targeted SMT (mobilization or manipulation) to a nontargeted approach in patients with nonspecific low back pain, and measuring the effects on pain intensity and patient-reported disability. DATA SYNTHESIS: Data extraction, risk of bias, and evaluation of the overall certainty of evidence using the GRADE approach were performed by 2 authors independently. Meta-analyses were performed using the restricted maximum likelihood method. RESULTS: Ten randomized controlled trials (n = 931 patients) were included. There was moderate-certainty evidence of no difference between targeted SMT and a nontargeted approach for pain intensity at postintervention (weighted mean difference = -0.20 [95% CI: -0.51, 0.10]) and at follow-up (weighted mean difference = 0.05 [95% CI: -0.26, 0.36]). For patient-reported disability, there was moderate-certainty evidence of no difference at postintervention (standardized mean difference = -0.04 [95% CI: -0.36, 0.29]) and at follow-up (standardized mean difference = -0.05 [95% CI: -0.24, 0.13]). Adverse events were reported in 4 trials, and were minor and evenly distributed between groups. CONCLUSION: Targeting a specific vertebral level when administering SMT for patients with nonspecific low back pain did not result in improved outcomes on pain intensity and patient-reported disability compared to a nontargeted approach. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023;53(9):1-11. Epub: 28 July 2023. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11962.

Benefits and Harms of Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Treating Recent and Persistent Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to estimate the benefits and harms of cervical spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) for treating neck pain. DESIGN: Intervention systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). LITERATURE SEARCH: We searched the MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL, Embase, CINAHL, PEDro, Chiropractic Literature Index bibliographic databases, and grey literature sources, up to June 6, 2022. STUDY SELECTION CRITERIA: RCTs evaluating SMT compared to guideline-recommended and nonrecommended interventions, sham SMT, and no intervention for adults with neck pain were eligible for our systematic review. Prespecified outcomes included pain, range of motion, disability, health-related quality of life. DATA SYNTHESIS: Random-effects meta-analysis for clinically homogenous RCTs at short-term and long-term outcomes. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 Tool. We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach to judge the certainty of evidence. RESULTS: We included 28 RCTs. There was very low to low certainty evidence that SMT was more effective than recommended interventions for improving pain at short term (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.66; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.35, 0.97) and long term (SMD, 0.73; 95% CI: 0.31, 1.16), and for reducing disability at short-term (SMD, 0.95; 95% CI: 0.48, 1.42) and long term (SMD, 0.65; 95% CI: 0.23, 1.06). Transient side effects only were found (eg, muscle soreness). CONCLUSION: There was very low certainty evidence supporting cervical SMT as an intervention to reduce pain and improve disability in people with neck pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2023;53(9):510-528. Epub: 10 August 2023. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.11708.

Immediate Effects of a Single Session of Cervical Spine Manipulation on Cervical Movement Patterns in People With Nonspecific Neck Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to assess the immediate effects of a single session of cervical spine manipulation on cervical movement patterns, disability, and the patient's perceived improvement in people with nonspecific neck pain.

METHODS

A single-blinded, randomized, sham-controlled trial was carried out at a biomechanics institute. Fifty participants diagnosed with acute and chronic nonspecific neck pain (minimum duration of the symptoms being 1 month) were randomized to an experimental group (EG, n = 25) or a sham-control group (CG, n = 25, 23 of whom completed the study). EG received a single cervical spine manipulation session; CG received a single placebo intervention. Both groups received manipulation or sham from the same physiotherapist. Main outcome measures were neck kinematics (ie, range of motion and movement harmony) during cyclic movements, self-reported neck disability, and impression of change assessed before and 5 minutes after treatment.

RESULTS

The EG showed no significant improvements (P > .05) in any of the studied biomechanical variables, except for right-side bending and left rotation, in which we found a range of motion significant mean difference of 1.97° and 1.95°, respectively (P < .05). The CG showed enhanced harmonic motion during flexion (P < .05). Both groups showed a significant decrease in self-reported neck disability after treatment (P < .05), and EG participants perceived a significantly larger improvement after manipulation compared with the CG (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

A single session of cervical manipulation provided by a physiotherapist had no impact on cervical motion during cyclic movements, but rather induced self-reported perceived improvement in neck disability and impression of change after treatment in people with nonspecific neck pain.

The attitudes and beliefs about manual therapy held by patients experiencing low back pain: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Manual therapy (MT) is commonly used to manage low back pain (LBP) and involves a complex interaction between the practitioner and patient. Attitudes and beliefs about MT may play a role in the outcomes seen in patients experiencing LBP. However, knowledge of patients' attitudes and beliefs regarding MT is currently limited.

OBJECTIVE

To map the existing published literature on the attitudes and beliefs about MT in patients experiencing LBP.

DESIGN

Scoping Review.

METHOD

A systematic search was conducted across the PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Scopus databases. Study selection involved screening 1) title and abstracts and 2) full text articles. Data was analyzed to provide a descriptive summary of the studies and to develop themes of patients' attitudes and beliefs about MT.

RESULTS

A total of 767 records were identified from the initial search strategy. Following study selection, 14 articles were included for data analysis. Five themes related to patients' attitudes and beliefs about MT were developed from the existing literature. Attitudes and beliefs about MT are explored and measured inconsistently with only one validated tool available.

CONCLUSION

MT is believed to be a preferential and effective treatment with accepted levels of post-treatment soreness. This review indicated that patients believe that MT has a biomedical mechanism of action and is suitable for biomedical causes of LBP. Several gaps in the literature are present that require further investigation.

Comparison of Feng spinal mobilization with Maitland mobilization in management of chronic nonspecific low back pain: A cohort study

Feng spinal mobilization (FSM) is one of the most widely practiced techniques in traditional Chinese osteopathy, especially in China. However, whether this FSM technique is more effective than the Maitland posteroanterior mobilization (MM), which is widely used all over the world, is still unknown. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively analyze and compare the efficacy of these 2 treatments in patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNLBP) as to provide a basis for the clinical treatment of chronic low back pain. A total of 83 patients, including 43 patients in the FSM group and 40 in the MM group, were enrolled in this cohort study. FSM or MM was performed on patients 3 times during a period of 2 weeks. Changes in the subjective and objective measurements were measured before and after the third treatment. The subjective symptoms recorded included the visual analogue scale (VAS), Oswestry disability index, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The objective symptoms, including the lumbar range of motion (ROM), and straight leg raise (SLR) height were also checked for any changes. The VAS scores were reassessed at the 1-year follow-up visit. The results showed that 2 weeks of FSM treatment significantly improved CNLBP patients modified Schober test (P < .05), extension ROM (P < .01), and SLR height (P < .05) while MM treatment did not. Both treatments significantly decreased the values of VAS, Oswestry disability index, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (P < .01). Compared to the MM treatment, the FSM treatment showed a much more significant improvement in VAS score (P < .01), range of motion of extension (P < .01), and SLR of both sides (P < .05). At the 1-year follow-up, VAS scores in both groups decreased significantly compared to pretreatments; however, there was no significant difference between the 2 groups. Our data suggested that the FSM treatment can provide better efficacy than MM in CNLBP patients, improving the VAS scores, lumbar extension ROM, and SLR height in a shorter time.

The Effects of Spinal Manipulation Added to Exercise on Pain and Quality of Life in Patients with Thoracic Spinal Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

There are not enough reliable studies available in physiotherapy to determine the effects of spinal manipulative therapy added to exercise on thoracic spinal pain and quality of life.

Objective

To investigate the effects of spinal manipulation on pain and quality of life in subjects with thoracic spinal pain. Study Design. It was an open-label "randomized controlled trial." Study Settings. Department of Physiotherapy, Services Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. Participants. There were one hundred subjects with an age group between 18 and 60 years fulfilling the inclusion criteria. These subjects were divided equally into two groups; an experimental and a control group.

Methods

In the experimental group (n = 50), thoracic spinal manipulation was applied along with thoracic muscle strengthening exercises. In the control group (n = 50) thoracic muscle exercises alone were given. Pain was measured by visual analogue scale (VAS) and quality of life with SF-36. Measurements were taken at baseline, immediately after session, after 8th session, and later as follow-ups at 12 weeks. Repeated measure ANOVA and independent sample T-test were used for within and between-group comparisons.

Results

Mean age of subjects in control group was 38.56 ± 12.44 and in experimental group was 36.02 ± 11.32. Both groups demonstrated significant improvement in VAS score, and all domains of SF 36 but between-group comparison showed greater improvement in VAS of the experimental group compared to the baseline (P < 0.05), but between-group comparison of 8th session to follow-up has shown that effects of exercise persist while health-related quality of life in spinal manipulation group was significantly reduced after discontinuation of treatment. After the 8th session, spinal manipulation group showed notable results in terms of pain (mean diff 1.14 (0.62, 1.65) 95% CI and all aspects of SF 36 (P value <0.05). However, after week 12 of follow-up, no significant difference (P value >0.05) was observed among the study groups for pain and quality of life.

Conclusion

Spinal manipulation added to thoracic exercise was more effective than thoracic exercise alone for improving pain and quality of life at the end of 8th session of care. However, the inclusion of spinal manipulation was not found effective at the 12-week follow-up. This trial is registered with IRCT20190327043125N1.

Evidence (-based medicine) in manual medicine/manual therapy—a summary review

Objective

The aim of this summary review is to analyse the current state of evidence in manual medicine or manual therapy.

Methods

The literature search focussed on systematic reviews listed in PubMed referring to manual medicine treatment until the beginning of 2022, limited to publications in English or German. The search concentrates on (1) manipulation, (2) mobilization, (3) functional/musculoskeletal and (4) fascia. The CASP Checklist for Systematic Reviews was used to present the included reviews in a clear way.

Results

A total of 67 publications were included and herewith five categories: low back pain, neck pain, extremities, temporomandibular disorders and additional effects. The results were grouped in accordance with study questions.

Conclusion

Based on the current systematic reviews, a general evidence-based medicine level III is available, with individual studies reaching level II or Ib. This allows manual medicine treatment or manual therapy to be used in a valid manner.

Potential Add-On Effects of Manual Therapy Techniques in Migraine Patients: A Randomised Controlled Trial

Objective: To ascertain whether the combination of soft tissue and articulatory manual techniques is more effective than either one of these techniques alone for reducing migraine impact; Methods: Seventy-five participants with migraine were randomly divided into three groups (n = 25 per group): (i) soft tissue (STG), (ii) articulatory (AG), and (iii) combined treatment (STAG). Pain, frequency of occurrence, duration, disability and impact, depression and anxiety levels, and perception of change were analysed at baseline, post intervention (T2) and at four-week follow-up (T3); Results: STAG showed a significantly greater reduction in pain versus STG and AG at T2 (p < 0.001; p = 0.014) and at T3 (p < 0.001; p = 0.01). Furthermore, STAG achieved a significantly greater reduction in pain duration versus STG at T2 (p = 0.020) and T3 (p = 0.026) and a greater impression of change versus STG (p = 0.004) and AG (p = 0.037) at T3. Similar effects were observed in all groups for frequency of occurrence, migraine disability, impact, and depression and anxiety levels; Conclusions: A combined manual therapy protocol including soft tissue and articulatory techniques yields larger improvements on pain and perception of change than either technique alone, yet the three therapeutic approaches show similar benefits for reducing pain, disability and impact caused by the migraine, depression or anxiety levels.

Neuromechanical Responses to Spinal Manipulation and Mobilization: A Crossover Randomized Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare the immediate effect of spinal manipulation (SMa) and spinal mobilization (SMo) on muscular responses, spinal stiffness, and segmental spinal pressure evoked pain in a population of participants with chronic middle back pain (MBP).

METHODS

In a crossover randomized trial, 2 experienced chiropractors assessed whether volunteers were eligible for the protocol according to a list of specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Individuals with MBP participated in 2 experimental sessions within 72 hours. During the first session, participants randomly received a SMa or SMo delivered by an apparatus using a servolinear motor. During the second session, the other modality was delivered. Spinal stiffness and pressure-provoked pain intensity outcomes were assessed before and after each therapy, and muscular responses were recorded during the treatment using surface electromyographic sensors. Signed-rank Wilcoxon tests for muscular responses and generalized model for repeated measure for spinal stiffness and pressure-provoked pain were used for statistical analyses.

RESULTS

Among the 32 potential participants, 26 (mean age 29.9 [±9.14], 15 women) completed both sessions. Between-group differences were observed for the muscular response amplitude (P < .001), and indeed the normalized RMS muscular response was found to be higher during SMa than SMo. Similar results were observed for pressure-provoked pain intensity at the level of therapeutic modality application (P = .002) as a higher decrease in pain was found after SMa (47.9 [±22.8] to 36.6 [±23.7]) compared with SMo (47.2 [±23.2] to 45.5 [±24.3]). No between-group differences were found for spinal stiffness change, nor for terminal (P = .08) and global spinal stiffness (P = .06).

CONCLUSION

In a controlled environment, spinal manipulation and mobilization generated different muscle responses and had different immediate effects on pressure-provoked pain intensity for subjects with MBP.

Immediate Effects of Long-Axis Talocrural Thrust Manipulation on the Length of the Anterior Talofibular and Calcaneofibular Ligaments Measured With Musculoskeletal Ultrasound Imaging

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to measure the immediate effect of a thrust manipulation on the length of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments in healthy patients.

METHODS

A convenience sample of 47 healthy patients were recruited for this quasi-experimental study. The patients had an age range from 22 to 54 years, with a mean age of 30.36 years. There were 23 female patients and 24 male patients. Musculoskeletal ultrasound imaging was used to measure the length of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments before and immediately after a high-velocity long-axis thrust manipulation of the talocrural joint during various validated test positions.

RESULTS

A single long-axis thrust manipulation did not result in a significant change in the length of the anterior talofibular ligament (P = .325). Additionally, there was no significant difference in calcaneofibular length after a long-axis thrust manipulation (P = .26).

CONCLUSION

The results indicate that the length of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligament did not significantly change after a single long-axis thrust manipulation of the talocrural joint in healthy patients. It appears that the joint capsule of the talocrural joint reached end-range during the manipulation before the ligament undergoes plastic length changes; thus, the increase in joint range of motion after a thrust manipulation was probably not due to increased plastic length changes of the anterior talofibular and calcaneofibular ligaments.

The Immediate Effect of Adding Lumbar Mobilization to A Static Stretching Program on Hamstrings Range of Motion: An Exploratory Study

A contributing risk factor and a byproduct of a hamstrings strain is limited hamstrings range of motion (ROM). Some evidence supports static stretching (SS) and lumbar spinal mobilization therapy (LSMT) as an effective means for increasing hamstrings ROM. However, the efficacy of combining LSMT and SS for increasing hamstrings ROM is unknown. The objective of the study is to quantify the immediate effects of the combination of LSMT and SS compared to LSMT and SS on hamstrings ROM in a healthy population. Thirty participants were randomized by block allocation into one of three intervention groups: (1) LSMT (unilateral lumbar PA mobilization at L-4); (2) SS; or (3) combination of LSMT and SS. Hamstrings ROM was measured pre- and post-intervention by the active knee extension test (AKET). There was no group-by-time interaction effect (p = 0.871). Within group analysis revealed a significant statistical change and a large effect size: LSMT (p = .037, RCI = 3.36, d = 0.771); SS (p = 0.035, RCI = 2.94, d = 0.781); combination (p = .005, RCI = 4.21, d = 1.186. The findings suggest that the combination of LSMT and SS does not have a further effect on hamstrings ROM compared to the individual results of LSMT or SS.

Periosteal Needling to the Cervical Articular Pillars as an Adjunct Intervention for Treatment of Chronic Neck Pain and Headache: A Case Report

(1) Background: Periosteal dry needling (PDN) involves clinicians using a solid filiform needle to stimulate bone for analgesic purposes. This case report presents the use of PDN to the cervical articular pillars (CAPs) in an 85-year-old female with chronic neck pain and headache. (2) Case description: PDN was applied to the right C2–C3 articular pillars, following trigger point dry needling (TrPDN) and manual therapy, in order to provide a direct sensory stimulus to the corresponding sclerotomes. PDN added over two treatments led to improved cervical range of motion and eliminated the patient’s neck pain and headache at 1 week follow-up. (3) Outcomes: At discharge, clinically relevant improvements were demonstrated on the numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), which improved from an 8/10 on intake to a 0/10 at rest and with all movements. In addition, the patient exceeded the risk adjusted predicted four-point score improvement and the minimal clinically important improvement (MCII) value of four points on the Focus on Therapeutic Outcomes (FOTO) Neck Functional Status (Neck FS). At one month post-discharge, the patient remained symptom-free. (4) Discussion: In the context of an evidence-informed approach for neck pain and headache, PDN led to marked improvements in pain and function. Patient outcomes exceeded predictive analytic expectations for functional gains and efficient utilization of visits and time in days. Combined with other interventions, PDN to the CAPs could be a viable technique to treat chronic neck pain with headache.

Effectiveness of Specific Neck Exercise for Nonspecific Neck Pain; Usefulness of Strategies for Patient Selection and Tailored Exercise-A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis

OBJECTIVE

Specific neck exercises (SNE) targeting deep cervical flexors and extensors are commonly used for the treatment of nonspecific neck pain (NSNP). However, whether SNE are more effective than alternative exercise interventions (AEI) remains unclear. Furthermore, it has been postulated that SNE may be most effective when they are tailored and targeted to patients with evidence of motor control dysfunction, yet this notion also remains unproven. The objectives of this study were to compare the effectiveness of SNE with that of AEI for reducing pain and disability in people with NSNP and to assess whether the effectiveness of SNE is increased when the exercises are tailored and provided to patients with evidence of motor control dysfunction.

METHODS

For this systematic review with meta-analysis, Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database were searched. Eligibility criteria included randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of SNE against that of AEI in people with NSNP. Meta-analysis included subgroup analyses to determine the effect of exercise tailoring and participant selection criteria on the effectiveness of SNE.

RESULTS

Twelve studies were included. Meta-analysis revealed greater effectiveness of SNE in the short to medium term for reducing pain (pooled standardized mean difference [SMD] = -0.41; 95% CI = -0.76 to -0.06; P = .02) and disability (pooled SMD = -0.41; 95% CI = -0.78 to -0.04; P = .03) but no differences in the long term for pain (pooled SMD = -1.30; 95% CI = -3.35 to 0.75; P = .21) and disability (pooled SMD = -1.81; 95% CI = -4.29 to 0.67; P = .15), although evidence was limited for the latter. The effectiveness of SNE was not superior in studies that included only participants with motor control dysfunction or when exercises were tailored to each participant. Overall, the studies were of low quality. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation revealed low certainty, serious risk of bias, and inconsistency of findings for short- to medium-term effects and very low certainty, serious risk of bias, and very serious inconsistency for long-term effects.

CONCLUSION

The preferential use of SNE may be recommended to achieve better short- to medium-term outcomes, although the low quality of evidence affects the certainty of these findings. Currently used strategies for selecting patients and tailoring SNE are not supported by the evidence and therefore cannot be recommended for clinical practice.

IMPACT

SNE are more effective than AEI for reducing pain and disability in patients with NSNP in the short to medium term, but overall evidence is of low quality, affecting the certainty of the findings. Tests of muscle dysfunction (mostly the craniocervical flexion test) currently used in studies to select patients and tailor SNE do not result in greater effectiveness of these exercises.

LAY SUMMARY

Evidence suggests SNE are more effective than other forms of exercise, although evidence is overall of low quality. Use of the craniocervical flexion test in isolation to select participants and/or tailor SNE cannot be recommended.

Do manual therapies have a specific autonomic effect? An overview of systematic reviews

Background

The impact of manual therapy interventions on the autonomic nervous system have been largely assessed, but with heterogeneous findings regarding the direction of these effects. We conducted an overview of systematic reviews to describe if there is a specific autonomic effect elicited by manual therapy interventions, its relation with the type of technique used and the body region where the intervention was applied.

Methods

We conducted an overview according to a publicly registered protocol. We searched the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, MEDLINE, EPISTEMONIKOS and SCOPUS, from their inception to march 2021. We included systematic reviews for which the primary aim of the intervention was to assess the autonomic effect elicited by a manual therapy intervention in either healthy or symptomatic individuals. Two authors independently applied the selection criteria, assessed risk of bias from the included reviews and extracted data. An established model of generalisation guided the data analysis and interpretation.

Results

We included 12 reviews (5 rated as low risk of bias according the ROBIS tool). The findings showed that manual therapies may have an effect on both sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. However, the results from included reviews were inconsistent due to differences in their methodological rigour and how the effects were measured. The reviews with a lower risk of bias could not discriminate the effects depending on the body region to which the technique was applied.

Conclusion

The magnitude of the specific autonomic effect elicited by manual therapies and its clinical relevance is uncertain. We point out some specific recommendations in order to improve the quality and relevance of future research in this field.

Median Nerve Neural Mobilization Adds No Additional Benefit When Combined with Cervical Lateral Glide in the Treatment of Neck Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Background: This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of cervical lateral glide (CLG) added to median nerve neural mobilization (MNNM) in patients with neck pain (NP). Methods: A single-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial was carried out in a Pain Management Unit from a Hospital. A total sample of 72 patients with NP was recruited from a hospital. Patients were randomized to receive isolated CLG (n = 36) or CLG + MNNM (n = 36). Bilateral elbow extension range of motion (ROM) on upper limb neurodynamic test 1 (ULNT1), bilateral pressure pain thresholds (PPT) on the median nerve at elbow joint, C₆ zygapophyseal joint and tibialis anterior, Visual analogue scale (VAS), body chart distribution of pain, active cervical ROM (CROM), Neck Disability Index (NDI), and Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK-11) were measured at baseline as well as immediately, 15 days, and 1 month after treatment. Results: There were no statistically significant interactions (p > 0.05) between treatment and time for median nerve mechanosensitivity outcomes, pain intensity, symptom distribution, and PPT of the widespread pain assessment, as well as cervical function, and kinesiophobia. Conclusions: MNNM gave no additional benefit to CLG in patients with NP regarding pain intensity, symptom distribution, mechanosensitivity, functionality, and kinesiophobia. Only two treatment sessions and the short follow-up are important issues, therefore, justifying further studies to answer the research question with better methodology.

Devices Used to Measure Force-Time Characteristics of Spinal Manipulations and Mobilizations: A Mixed-Methods Scoping Review on Metrologic Properties and Factors Influencing Use

Background: Spinal manipulations (SMT) and mobilizations (MOB) are interventions commonly performed by many health care providers to manage musculoskeletal conditions. The clinical effects of these interventions are believed to be, at least in part, associated with their force-time characteristics. Numerous devices have been developed to measure the force-time characteristics of these modalities. The use of a device may be facilitated or limited by different factors such as its metrologic properties.

Objectives: This mixed-method scoping review aimed to characterize the metrologic properties of devices used to measure SMT/MOB force-time characteristics and to determine which factors may facilitate or limit the use of such devices within the context of research, education and clinical practice.

Methods: This study followed the Joanna Briggs Institute's framework. The literature search strategy included four concepts: (1) devices, (2) measurement of SMT or MOB force-time characteristics on humans, (3) factors facilitating or limiting the use of devices, and (4) metrologic properties. Two reviewers independently reviewed titles, abstracts and full articles to determine inclusion. To be included, studies had to report on a device metrologic property (e.g., reliability, accuracy) and/or discuss factors that may facilitate or limit the use of the device within the context of research, education or clinical practice. Metrologic properties were extracted per device. Limiting and facilitating factors were extracted and themes were identified.

Results: From the 8,998 studies initially retrieved, 46 studies were finally included. Ten devices measuring SMT/MOB force-time characteristics at the clinician-patient interface and six measuring them at patient-table interfaces were identified. Between zero and eight metrologic properties were reported per device: measurement error (defined as validity, accuracy, fidelity, or calibration), reliability/repeatability, coupling/crosstalk effect, linearity/correlation, sensitivity, variability, drift, and calibration. From the results, five themes related to the facilitating and limiting factors were developed: user-friendliness and versatility, metrologic/intrinsic properties, cost and durability, technique application, and feedback.

Conclusion: Various devices are available to measure SMT/MOB force-time characteristics. Metrologic properties were reported for most devices, but terminology standardization is lacking. The usefulness of a device in a particular context should be determined considering the metrologic properties as well as other potential facilitating and limiting factors.

Throwing performance after high-velocity low-amplitude thrust manipulation at the cervicothoracic and thoracolumbar junction in elite female water polo players: a randomized blind cross-over study

BACKGROUND

The effect of high-velocity low-amplitude (HVLA) thrust manipulation at the cervicothoracic and thoracolumbar junction in healthy elite female water polo players on throwing performance is unknown.

METHODS

Ten healthy members of the Dutch National female water polo team participated in this randomized blind cross-over study. All received a HVLA manipulation and a sham manipulation at the cervicothoracic and thoracolumbar junction. Hereafter maximum throwing speed, range of motion and isometric strength were measured at 1 hour, 48 hours and 4 weeks follow-up.

RESULTS

No significant differences in maximum throwing speed was found between HVLA and sham manipulation. In the non-dominant shoulder external rotation increased significantly (5.3±6.7°) 48 hours after sham manipulation, this effect was not considered clinically significant and diminished after four weeks.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that HVLA and sham manipulation had no effect on shot velocity or shoulder mobility and the same effect on shoulder strength in healthy elite female water polo players. The common use of cervicothoracic and thoracolumbar HVLA manipulation for improving performance in this specific group of athletes is therefore questionable.

Effectiveness of Mobilization of the Talus and Distal Fibula in the Management of Acute Lateral Ankle Sprain

OBJECTIVE

Distal fibular mobilization with movement (MWM), with and without a posterior gliding fibular tape, and anteroposterior mobilization of the talus (MOB) are widely used to treat acute lateral ankle sprains. The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term and long-term relative effectiveness of these techniques.

METHODS

In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, 45 amateur soccer players with acute (<72 hours) lateral ankle sprain were randomly allocated to 6 sessions (3/wk within the first 2 weeks) of either MWM, MWM with tape (MWMtape), or MOB. All participants also received general advice, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, edema draining massage, and a program of proprioception exercises. Participant ratings of function on the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure and Patient Global Impression of Improvement Scale were the primary outcomes measured over 52 weeks. Secondary outcomes were ankle pain, pressure pain threshold, range of motion, volume, and strength.

RESULTS

MWM and MWMtape were equally effective and participants demonstrated greater function on the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure at 12 and 52 weeks when compared with those receiving MOB; however, the latter demonstrated superior function at 2 weeks. No differences between groups were observed for Patient Global Impression of Improvement Scale or any of the secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSION

There are limited differences in the short term among techniques, with the exception of better sport function with MOB. Over the longer term, the distal fibular MWM is most effective to achieve activities of daily living and sport function when added to usual physical therapy care. The addition of a posterior gliding fibular tape provides no additional benefit.

IMPACT

Distal fibular mobilization with movement may be the most appropriate choice of treatment for acute lateral ankle sprain to achieve long-term activities of daily living and sport function. In the short term, anteroposterior mobilization of the talus offers greater improvement in sport function. The use of fibular tape provides no added benefit as an adjunct to a treatment that includes distal fibular mobilization with movement.

Inter, intra-examiner reliability and validity of inertial sensors to measure the active cervical range of motion in patients with primary headache

We analyzed the inter- and intra-examiner reliability of Werium inertial sensors and the cervical range of motion (CROM) instrument for the measurement of active CROM (AcROM) in patients with primary headache. Another objective is to analyze the validity of the inertial sensors (Werium). The literature has reported symptomatology features in patients diagnosed with primary headache similar to that of patients with cervicogenic headache. The International Classification of Headache (ICHD-III) established the presence of reduced AcROM as a diagnostic criterion for cervicogenic headache. Several instruments are used for this measurement, with limitations in their applicability in daily clinical practice. A prospective longitudinal repeated measures study was conducted to assess the intra- and inter-rater reliability and validity of Werium inertial sensors in 20 adults with chronic primary headache. For the inter-rater analysis, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) values were above 0.75 for all movements, indicating a good level of reliability. For the intra-rater results, the ICC values obtained by the Werium inertial sensors for all cervical movements were good for rater A (ICC >0.80) and rater B (ICC >0.84). For the validity, the ICCs obtained by the Werium inertial sensors compared with the CROM instrument for all cervical movements were moderate for both raters (ICC > 0.70, respectively). Values obtained in the standard error of measurement, minimum detectable change at 90% and limits of agreement also indicated good agreement. Werium inertial sensors have shown good to excellent reliability results, both intra- and inter-examiner (ICC > 0.75). Likewise, when the sensors were compared with another validated instrument (CROM device) they obtained high reliability results (ICC > 0.70). These results plus its relatively low price and ease of use allow us to recommend it in daily clinical practice to measure AcROM in patients with chronic primary headache.

Enhanced Pronociceptive and Disrupted Antinociceptive Mechanisms in Nonspecific Chronic Neck Pain

OBJECTIVE

Evidence suggests altered pronociceptive and antinociceptive mechanisms in many chronic pain conditions. Knowledge about these mechanisms in nonspecific chronic neck pain (NSNP) would improve understanding of the causes and the design of more effective treatments. Pressure pain threshold (PPT) is often used to assess presence of altered nociceptive processing in NSNP; however, its usefulness to detect this is yet to be established. The purpose of this study was to determine the functional status of temporal summation of second pain (TSSP) and conditioned pain modulation (CPM) in NSNP and to characterize the association of both measures with PPT and clinical features of NSNP.

METHODS

Thirty-two participants with NSNP (mean [SD] age = 44 [11] years; 27 female) and 32 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. TSSP was assessed using an electrical stimulus at the dorsum of the hand, and CPM was evaluated with the Cold Pressor Test. PPT was assessed bilaterally at the neck and tibialis anterior muscles.

RESULTS

Participants with NSNP showed greater TSPP (mean difference = 0.23; 95% CI = 0.46-0.01; Cohen d = 0.51) and lower CPM (mean difference = 19.44; 95% CI = 10.42-28.46; Cohen d = 1.09). Pooled data from all participants showed lower PPTs at the neck than the tibialis anterior. However, PPT measures did not differ between groups at either location. PPT measures were not correlated with CPM and TSP.

CONCLUSION

NSNP is associated with enhanced pronociceptive and impaired antinociceptive mechanisms, which may explain long-lasting pain and failure of some treatments to resolve symptoms. However, due to the observational nature of this study, a clear cause-effect relationship cannot be established. Normal PPT values in the clinic should not be interpreted as absence of altered nociceptive processing.

IMPACT

This study fills in some gaps in knowledge. Changes in central nociceptive processing may explain persistent and recurrent symptoms in NSNP and failure of treatments to obtain long-lasting relief. Further research is required to ascertain if TSSP and CPM assessment in the clinic may help predict physical therapy treatment outcome. Whether symptomatic relief with physical therapy is mediated by an improvement in TSSP and CPM should also be explored. PPTs were unaltered in participants with NSNP despite evidence of impairment in the central pain modulatory systems. Normal PPTs should not be interpreted as evidence of unaltered central pain-related processing.

Physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises performed immediately after spinal manipulative therapy for the treatment of mild adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: study protocol for a randomized controlled pilot trial

BACKGROUND

Spinal manipulative therapy is commonly used in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Some therapists also rely on physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercise (PSSE). Combining these two modalities seems reasonable, but the effectiveness of this combination has never been rigorously tested. Here, a protocol for a pilot study is proposed to determine the feasibility of conducting a larger randomized trial. The pilot study was designed to test the hypothesis that spinal manipulative therapy followed by PSSE is more effective than PSSE alone in improving the Cobb angle, sensorimotor integration, the angle of trunk rotation (ATR), body symmetry, and quality of life.

METHODS

The protocol describes a randomized controlled pilot trial with 40 subjects divided into study and control groups. Both groups will receive 8 weeks of PSSE, but the study group will also receive spinal manipulative therapy during the first 2 weeks before PSSE. The primary outcome will be an estimate of the feasibility of conducting a full-scale experiment. The influencing factors will be the time to complete enrollment, the recruitment rate, subject retention, and adherence to the treatment allocations. The secondary outcomes that will be used to assess the efficacy of treatment will include the Cobb angle, somatosensory evoked potentials, ATR, three-dimensional postural parameters, and scores on the 22-item Scoliosis Research Society outcomes questionnaire. The Cobb angle will be measured at baseline and at the end of 8 weeks of training. The somatosensory evoked potentials will be measured at baseline and at the end of 2 weeks of training. The ATR, three-dimensional postural parameters, and scores on the 22-item Scoliosis Research Society outcomes questionnaire will be measured at baseline and at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks of treatment.

DISCUSSION

This study will inform the design of a future full-scale trial. The outcomes will provide preliminary data about the efficacy of the combination of spinal manipulative therapy and exercise in treating scoliosis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Prospectively registered at Chinese clinical trial registry, ChiCTR1900027037 . Registered on 29 October 2019. http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=44954&htm=4.

Spinal Manipulation and Select Manual Therapies: Current Perspectives

Touch is fundamental to the doctor-patient relationship. Touch can produce neuromodulatory effects that mitigate pain and put patients at ease. Touch begins with a confident handshake and continues throughout the physical examination. Touching patients where they hurt is a clear indication that a provider understands their complaint. Touch often continues as a function of treatment. This article updates evidence surrounding human touch and addresses mechanisms of action for manual therapy, the impact of manual therapy on pain management, health care conditions for which manual therapy may be beneficial, treatment plans with dose-response evidence, and the impact of manual therapy on the health care system.

The immediate effect of lumbopelvic manipulation on knee pain, knee position sense, and balance in patients with patellofemoral pain: A randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common musculoskeletal disorder. Quadriceps and core muscle neuromuscular control impairments are frequently associated with PFP. Lumbopelvic manipulation (LPM) has been shown to improve quadriceps and core muscle activation and decrease their inhibition, but changes in balance and knee joint position sense (JPS) after this intervention remain unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether LPM decreases knee pain and JPS error and increases balance performance in patients with PFP.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled trial.

SETTING

Biomechanics laboratory at a rehabilitation science research center.

METHODS

Forty-four patients with PFP participated in this study that randomly divided into two equal groups. One group received LPM and the other received sham LPM (positioning with no thrust) in a single session. At baseline and immediately after the intervention, the outcomes of pain using a visual analog scale, balance using the modified star excursion balance test (mSEBT), and JPS at 20° and 60° of knee flexion using a Biodex dynamometer.

RESULTS

There was a statistically significant improvement in pain, balance control (anterior direction) and JPS in the LPM group immediately after the intervention. In addition, we observed significant differences between groups in pain, balance control (anterior direction) and JPS at 60° of knee flexion immediately after the intervention.

CONCLUSION

A single session of LPM immediately improved balance control, knee JPS, and pain in patients diagnosed with PFP.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

Findings suggest that LPM may be used as a therapeutic tool for immediate improvement of symptoms of PFP. However, more research is needed to determine long term results.

Physical therapy management of a patient with persistent groin pain after total hip arthroplasty and iliopsoas tenotomy: a case report

BACKGROUND

Hip impingement syndrome can occur after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Nonoperative treatment is inconsistently recommended, and surgical options include iliopsoas tenotomy. The current case report describes the unique case of a patient with persistent groin pain after THA and iliopsoas tenotomy.

CASE DESCRIPTION

The 72-year-old male had persistent groin pain after right THA and an unsuccessful iliopsoas tenotomy. He had pain and limited right hip range of motion during active and passive hip flexion, abduction, and external rotation. Treatment consisted of high-grade joint mobilization to improve the range of motion of the right hip and an exercise program.

OUTCOMES

The patient was treated for six visits over 3 weeks. Clinically important improvements were noted in pain, function, and perceived level of improvement. Pain during hip flexion improved on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and function improved on the Lower Extremity Functional Scale. Improvements in the range of motion and strength were also observed. At 6-month follow-up, he reported maintenance of improvements.

DISCUSSION

Joint mobilization and exercise were effective for improving range of motion, groin pain, and function in a patient with a 4-year history of persistent groin pain after THA and subsequent iliopsoas tenotomy.

Spinal Mobilization Prevents NGF-Induced Trunk Mechanical Hyperalgesia and Attenuates Expression of CGRP

Introduction

Low back pain (LBP) is a complex and growing global health problem in need of more effective pain management strategies. Spinal mobilization (SM) is a non-pharmacological approach recommended by most clinical guidelines for LBP, but greater utilization and treatment optimization are hampered by a lack of mechanistic knowledge underlying its hypoalgesic clinical effects.

Methods

Groups of female Sprague-Dawley rats received unilateral trunk (L5 vertebral level) injections (50 μl) of either vehicle (phosphate-buffer solution, PBS; VEH) or nerve growth factor (NGF; 0.8 μM) on Days 0 and 5 with or without daily L5 SM (VEH, NGF, VEH + SM, VEH + SM). Daily passive SM (10 min) was delivered by a feedback motor (1.2 Hz, 0.9N) from Days 1 to 12. Changes in pain assays were determined for mechanical and thermal reflexive behavior, exploratory behavior (open field events) and spontaneous pain behavior (rat grimace scale). On Day 12, lumbar (L1–L6) dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were harvested bilaterally and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) positive immunoreactive neurons were quantified from 3 animals (1 DRG tissue section per segmental level) per experimental group.

Results

NGF induced bilateral trunk (left P = 0.006, right P = 0.001) mechanical hyperalgesia and unilateral hindpaw allodynia (P = 0.006) compared to the vehicle group by Day 12. Additionally, we found for the first time that NGF animals demonstrated decreased exploratory behaviors (total distance traveled) and increased grimace scale scoring compared to the VEH group. Passive SM prevented this development of local (trunk) mechanical hyperalgesia and distant (hindpaw) allodynia, and normalized grimace scale scores. NGF increased CGRP positive immunoreactive neurons in ipsilateral lumbar DRGs compared to the VEH group ([L1]P = 0.02; [L2]P = 0.007) and SM effectively negated this increase in pain-related neuropeptide CGRP expression.

Conclusion

SM prevents the development of local (trunk) NGF-induced mechanical hyperalgesia and distant (hindpaw) allodynia, in part, through attenuation of CGRP expression in lumbar DRG sensory neurons. NGF decreases rat exploratory behavior and increases spontaneous pain for which passive SM acts to mitigate these pain-related behavioral changes. These initial study findings suggest that beginning daily SM soon after injury onset might act to minimize or prevent the development of LBP by reducing production of pain-related neuropeptides.

Effects of joint mobilisation on clinical manifestations of sympathetic nervous system activity: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

A potential mechanism of action of manual therapy is the activation of a sympathetic-excitatory response.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effects of joint mobilisation on changes in clinical manifestations of sympathetic nervous system activity.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, EMBASE, AMED, CINAHL, EBSCO, PubMed, PEDro, Cochrane Collaboration Trials Register, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and SCOPUS databases.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomised controlled trials that compared a mobilisation technique applied to the spine or the extremities with a control or placebo.

DATA EXTRACTION AND DATA SYNTHESIS

Human studies collecting data on skin conductance or skin temperature were used. Data were extracted by two reviewers. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane guidelines, and quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Standardised mean differences (SMD) and random effects were calculated.

RESULTS

Eighteen studies were included in the review and 17 were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis found a significant increase in skin conductance [SMD 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.88 to 1.53, n=269] and a decrease in temperature (SMD 0.92, 95% CI -1.47 to -0.37, n=128) after mobilisation compared with the control group. An increase in skin conductance (SMD 0.73, 95% CI 0.51 to 0.96, n=293) and a decrease in temperature (SMD -0.50, 95% CI -0.82 to -0.18, n=134) were seen after mobilisation compared with placebo. The risk of bias was generally low, but the heterogenicity of the results downgraded the level of evidence.

LIMITATIONS

Most trials (14/18) were conducted on asymptomatic healthy subjects.

CONCLUSION

There is moderate evidence suggesting a sympatho-excitatory effect of joint mobilisation. Systematic Review Registration Number PROSPERO CRD42018089991.

The immediate effects of passive joint mobilisation on local muscle function. A systematic review of the literature

BACKGROUND

Passive joint mobilisation is popular among healthcare providers and their patients; however, its effectiveness for improving muscle function is not well researched and the mechanisms of action involved are unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effect of passive joint mobilisations on the function of muscles surrounding the targeted joints in symptomatic as well as asymptomatic individuals.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Controlled experimental trials assessing the immediate effect of passive joint mobilisation on outcomes associated with local muscle function.

DATA COLLECTION

Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted data.

MAIN RESULTS

A total of seventeen studies were included, of which ten studies reported data on asymptomatic individuals and seven studies reported data on symptomatic individuals with various conditions. There is a moderate level of evidence that joint mobilisation immediately decreases the activation of superficial muscles during low load conditions in symptomatic individuals. For asymptomatic individuals, there is a low level of evidence that passive joint mobilisation improves maximum muscle strength when compared to sham mobilisation, opposed to a very low level of evidence suggesting no effect in symptomatic individuals. The five studies reporting data on both, changes in muscle function as well as changes in pain, suggest that other, not pain-related mechanisms may play an important role regarding the reported improvement in muscle function.

CONCLUSION

Current best evidence suggests that passive joint mobilisation has the ability to immediately alter muscle function. The specific mechanisms of action involved require further basic science investigations. Registration number (PROSPERO): CRD42018117033.

Vertebral Displacements and Muscle Activity During Manual Therapy: Distinct Behaviors Between Spinal Manipulation and Mobilization

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to compare vertebral displacements (absolute and relative) and muscle responses induced by spinal manipulative therapy of short (spinal manipulation) and long (spinal mobilization) impulse duration.

METHODS

Twenty-five healthy adults (without thoracic pain) were recruited for this crossover study. Six spinal manipulative therapies (255 N peak force) of different impulse durations (100, 125, 200, 500, 1000, and 1500 ms) were delivered to each participant's T7 transverse process using a mechanical device. Impulse duration effect on the vertebral displacement (absolute displacement of T6, T7, and T8 and relative displacement between T7 and T6 and between T7 and T8) and the thoracic muscle response (surface electromyography) were assessed using mixed-model analyses of variance and predefined linear trend analyses.

RESULTS

Results showed a linear increase in the absolute vertebral displacement for T8 (P = .002) and a linear decrease in the T7/T6 and T7/T8 relative displacement (P < .0001) when impulse duration was increased. The data of 24 participants were available for electromyography analysis. A significant main effect of impulse duration on surface electromyography response was observed (P < .0001, ƞ_p²=0.43). Planned comparisons for a linear trend between these variables revealed a negative relationship (P < .0001). Only 13 of the 24 participants with available data presented a muscle response at every impulse duration.

CONCLUSION

These results support the assumption that spinal manipulation and spinal mobilization might operate under distinct mechanisms.

Evidence for decreased Neurologic Pain Signature activation following thoracic spinal manipulation in healthy volunteers and participants with neck pain

•

The use of brain-based models of pain were explored in two clinical studies.

•

Neurologic pain signature activation decreased following spinal manipulation.

•

Spinal manipulation altered the processing of pain-related brain activity.

•

We provide evidence for a centrally mediated therapeutic action of spinal manipulation.

•

Brain-based models have potential as objective clinical biomarkers of pain.

Background Context

Spinal manipulation (SM) is a common treatment for neck and back pain, theorized to mechanically affect the spine leading to therapeutic mechanical changes. The link between specific mechanical effects and clinical improvement is not well supported. SM's therapeutic action may instead be partially mediated within the central nervous system.

Purpose

To introduce brain-based models of pain for spinal pain and manual therapy research, characterize the distributed central mechanisms of SM, and advance the preliminary validation of brain-based models as potential clinical biomarkers of pain.

Study Design

Secondary analysis of two functional magnetic resonance imaging studies investigating the effect of thoracic SM on pain-related brain activity: A non-controlled, non-blinded study in healthy volunteers (Study 1, n = 10, 5 females, and mean age = 31.2 ± 10.0 years) and a randomized controlled study in participants with acute to subacute neck pain (Study 2, n = 24, 16 females, mean age = 38.0 ± 15.1 years).

Methods

Functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed during noxious mechanical stimulation of the right index finger cuticle pre- and post-intervention. The effect of SM on pain-related activity was studied within brain regions defined by the Neurologic Pain Signature (NPS) that are predictive of physical pain.

Results

In Study 1, evoked mechanical pain (p < 0.001) and NPS activation (p = 0.010) decreased following SM, and the changes in evoked pain and NPS activation were correlated (r_RM² = 0.418, p = 0.016). Activation within the NPS subregions of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC, p = 0.012) and right secondary somatosensory cortex/operculum (rS2_Op, p = 0.045) also decreased following SM, and evoked pain was correlated with dACC activity (r_RM² = 0.477, p = 0.019). In Study 2, neck pain (p = 0.046) and NPS (p = 0.033) activation decreased following verum but not sham SM. Associations between evoked pain, neck pain, and NPS activation, were not significant and less clear, possibly due to inadequate power, methodological limitations, or other confounding factors.

Conclusions

The findings provide preliminary evidence that SM may alter the processing of pain-related brain activity within specific pain-related brain regions and support the use of brain-based models as clinical biomarkers of pain.

Development and structural validity of a Nigerian culture- and environment-friendly low back pain outcome measure: Ibadan Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire

Background

Low Back Pain (LBP) is the leading cause of disability globally. Standardized outcome measures for measuring LBP disability exist but none was developed with consideration for the Nigerian culture and environment.

Objective

This study was aimed to develop a Nigerian culture- and environment-friendly LBP scale, the Ibadan Low Back Pain Disability Questionnaire (ILBPDQ).

Methods

Items on ILBPDQ were devised from literature review, interview of patients (231 consecutively-sampled patients with chronic non-specific LBP) and 12 professionals experienced in LBP management and were contentvalidated. The first draft of the questionnaire underwent pretesting twice among individuals with chronic non-specific LBP (n=35 and 114 respectively), factor analysis and experts' reviews to produce the final version.

Results

The final scale comprised 18 items with a two-factor structure (common Activity of Daily Living [ADL] and culture-specific ADL). It has eigen value ≥ 1 and explained 60% of variance. Items on ILBPDQ covered important constructs relevant to an average Nigerian patient with LBP.

Conclusion

A scale for assessing disability in LBP is made available for use in Nigeria and similar populations.

Funding

None declared

Non-thrust cervical manipulations reduce short-term pain and decrease systolic blood pressure during intervention in mechanical neck pain: a randomized clinical trial

Objectives: To evaluate the association of resting blood pressure with pain response and evaluate the cardiovascular effects of anterior-to-posterior [AP] versus lateral [LAT] techniques of cervical spine non-thrust manipulation [NTM].Methods: Forty-three (23 females) participants with non-chronic neck pain (mean age 29.00 ± SD 9.09 years) randomly received AP or LAT NTM to the cervical spine. Blood pressure and heart rate were measured before, during, and after the intervention. Disability and pain were measured pre- and post-intervention.Results: Resting systolic blood pressure (SBP) was significantly associated with average pain reduction two days later on univariate and multivariate analyses (coefficients -0.029 ± SD 0.013, p = 0.036; -0.026 ± 0.012, p = 0.032).No significant differences existed between AP and LAT NTM groups in disability, pain reduction, and cardiovascular variables. The decrease in 'worst neck pain' rating 2-days post-intervention was clinically significant within the AP (mean -2.43 ± SD 2.66) group. Mixed-effect model ANOVA revealed a significant change in SBP over time (estimate -1.94 ± SD 0.70, p = 0.007).Discussion: This spinal NTM study was the first to relate resting SBP with short-term pain reduction, demonstrating SBP-related hypoalgesia. In normotensive individuals with unilateral non-chronic neck pain, each 10 mmHg higher resting SBP was associated with a 0.29-unit decrease in average pain at follow-up when holding baseline pain constant.AP and LAT NTM equally reduced short-term pain and decreased SBP during-intervention, suggesting SBP-sympathoinhibition. These techniques have previously been shown to be sympatho-excitatory when delivered under different dosage parameters. SBP's mediating and moderating role should be investigated."Level of Evidence: 1b."

Neurophysiological Effects of High Velocity and Low Amplitude Spinal Manipulation in Symptomatic and Asymptomatic Humans: A Systematic Literature Review

STUDY DESIGN

Systematic review.

OBJECTIVE

To summarize the evidence of neurophysiological effects of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) with a high velocity low amplitude thrust (HVLA-SMT) in asymptomatic and symptomatic humans.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

HVLA-SMT is effective in reducing back pain, but its mode of action is not fully understood.

METHODS

A systematic literature search (until July 2018) was conducted by a professional librarian in seven databases (Medline (OvidSP), Premedline (PubMed), EMBASE, Cochrane, CINAHL, PEDro, and Scopus). Two authors selected the studies according to the a priori described criteria and scored study quality. Only controlled studies of at least moderate quality were included. Effects of HVLA-SMT on a particular outcome measure were defined as more than one study showing a significantly greater effect of HVLA-SMT compared with the control intervention.

RESULTS

From the 18 studies included (932 participants in total), there was evidence only for an association between HVLA-SMT and changes in the autonomic nervous system, reflected in changes in heart rate variability and skin conductance. Most studies focused on healthy volunteers and none related neurophysiologic changes to pain reduction.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review points to HVLA-SMT affecting the autonomic nervous system. The effects seem to depend on the spinal level of HVLA-SMT application and might differ between healthy volunteers and pain patients. There is a need for high-quality studies that include patients, well characterized for pain duration and outcome measure baseline values, and address the relation between changes in neurophysiology and pain.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

2.

Immediate effects of cervical mobilisations on neck muscle activity during active neck movements in patients with non-specific neck pain. A double blind placebo controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Cervical mobilisations are used to treat people with neck pain but their mechanisms of action are unclear. One theorised reason for induced analgesia is effect on neck muscle activity.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of cervical mobilisations on muscle activity during active neck movements and whether changes in muscle activity are associated with changes in symptoms.

DESIGN

Double-blind randomised placebo controlled trial.

SETTING

Primary care.

PARTICIPANTS

40 patients (aged 19 to 80 years, 24 female) with non-specific neck pain.

INTERVENTIONS

One session of cervical mobilisations or motionless manual contact (placebo).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

sternocleidomastoid (SCM), scalene (SCA), upper trapezius (UT) and erector spinae (ES) surface electromyography (SEMG) during active neck flexion, extension, side flexion and rotation was measured immediately before and after the intervention. Patients were classified as responders according to change in symptoms assessed using the Global Rating of Change Scale (GROC).

RESULTS

Compared with placebo, patients receiving mobilisation showed an increase in contralateral UT and ES SEMG during rotation and contralateral and ipsilateral SCM, SCA and UT during side flexion (P<0.05), however changes were mostly associated with an increase in range and speed of movement. The only association with GROC was increased (5%) SEMG in the contralateral SCM during side flexion in the mobilisation group (P=0.013).

CONCLUSION

Cervical mobilisations caused increased neck SEMG, mostly due to increased movement range and speed. Change in muscle activity is unlikely to be a major mechanism of action of cervical mobilisations in symptomatic improvement with physiological neck movements. (ClinicalTrials.gov record number: 2016/066).

CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY

ClinicalTrials.gov record number: 2016/066.