The Effect of Lumbopelvic Non-Thrust Spinal Manipulation on Individuals With Low Back Pain

Overview

The purpose of this experiment is to determine the effects of a non-thrust manipulation procedure on muscle function, spinal mobility, and pain level on those experiencing low back pain (LBP) in a sample of individuals who identify English as their primary language. The rationale for this language criterion is provided in Section 9:F of this application. Muscle function will be measured via the muscle thickness of a deep spinal stabilizing muscle (multifidus, MF) while in both a resting state and during a maximum voluntary contraction (MVC). Spinal mobility will be measured as the active range of motion of both forward and backward trunk bending. Pain level will be a self-report measure recorded during rest and active range of motion. Hypothesis 1: A non-thrust manipulation procedure will increase the thickness of the sacral multifidus both at rest and during a maximum voluntary contraction Hypothesis 2: A non-thrust manipulation procedure will result in greater low back active range of motion. Hypothesis 3: A non-thrust manipulation procedure will result in a reduction in the participant's self-reported pain levels both at rest and during active range of motion movements.

The proposed study aims to determine if the impact of a newly-described manual procedure, that includes a non-thrust force applied to the low back region, has an impact on patient centered-outcomes. Rehabilitation Ultrasound Imaging (RUSI) will be used to determine MF muscle thickness (MT) at rest and during a maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) immediately following application of the manual procedure.

Conditions