Does Spinal Manipulation Therapy Impact Lumbar Proprioception
Switzerland254 participantsStarted 2023-03-01
Plain-language summary
Spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) has long been a component of manual therapy and physical rehabilitation programs, especially as a modality for pain relief. However, the underlying physiological mechanisms for manipulation-related pain relief and functional improvement remain largely unexplored. To promote targeted treatments for musculoskeletal conditions and to better identify the indication and scope of SMT, its mechanisms must be better understood.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 50 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion criteria chronic LBP patients:
* Aged between 18 and 50
* History of chronic (\>3months) LBP clinically not attributable to "red flags" (i.e., infection, trauma, fractures, inflammatory spondylarthropathies).
* Source of LBP clinically at the L4/5 or L5/S1 segment
* No history of vestibular disorders
* Body mass index (BMI) \> 16 kg/m2
The presence of any one of the following exclusion criteria will lead to exclusion of the participant:
Exclusion criteria chronic LBP patients:
* Excessive consumption of alcohol or consumption of other drugs or analgesics within the last 24 h
* Pregnancy or breastfeeding
* Prior foot/ankle or spine surgery
* chiropractic (or other manual) treatment in the last 2 weeks
* facet joint, epidural or periradicular injections in the last 6 months
* any contraindication to spinal manipulative interventions (or are deemed unable to tolerate SMT to both body sides)
* Any neuromuscular diseases that might affect gait and posture and injuries of the motor system with permanent deformities
* Body mass index (BMI) \> 30 kg/m2
Inclusion criteria healthy controls:
* Aged between 18 and 50
* No episode of musculoskeletal pain in the past 3 months
* No history of chronic pain (longer than 3 months)
* No history of vestibular disorders
* Body mass index (BMI) \> 16 kg/m2
The presence of any one of the following exclusion criteria will lead to exclusion of the participant:
Exclusion criteria healthy controls:
* Excessive consumption of alcohol …
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Postural sway (mm)
Timeframe: 15 minutes
2
Proprioceptive weighting ratio (value between 0 and 1)