Regional Manual Therapy and Motor Control Exercise for Chronic Low Back Pain

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · Jun 20, 2014

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study will use a 2x4 factorial mixed design with a between-factor independent variable (IV) of group and a within-factor IV of time. The dependent variables include hip ROM, segmental mobility of the thoracolumbar spine, pain, disability level, and patients' perceived rating of change (GROC). Hip ROM and spinal mobility variables will be measured by the researchers, while pain, disability level, and GROC score will be measured by self-reported questionnaires.

The experimental group will receive a motor control exercise program and manual therapy to the hips and spine corresponding to ...

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • between the ages of 18 and 65
• • have an active complaint of non-specific low back pain for at least three months
• • demonstrate hypomobility of the thoracic or lumbar regions on at least one spinal level
• • demonstrate at least two of the following unilateral or bilateral hip ROM deficits: hip flexion \< 110°, hip extension loss \> 6°, or hip rotation \< 30° internally or externally
• • demonstrate any one of the following: pain that worsens with sustained end- range movements or positions, lumbar hypermobility, diminished trunk or pelvic muscle strength and endurance, or movement coordination impairments during community/work activities
• • Modified Oswestry Score ≥ 30%
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • evidence of red flags, including fracture, infection, spinal tumor, or cauda equina syndrome
• • pain that can be centralized through repeated movements
• • signs of hyporeflexia, hypoesthesia, and myotomal weakness indicative of nerve root compression
• • pregnancy
• • systemic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis
• • inability to safely tolerate manual therapy to the spine or hips
• • injections to the low back within the 2 weeks preceding the initial evaluation