Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics
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J Manipulative Physiol Ther · Oct 2001
Stiffness and neuromuscular reflex response of the human spine to posteroanterior manipulative thrusts in patients with low back pain.
Studies investigating posteroanterior (PA) forces in spinal stiffness assessment have shown relationships to spinal level, body type, and lumbar extensor muscle activity. Such measures may be important determinants in discriminating between patients who are asymptomatic and those who have low back pain. However, little objective evidence is available concerning variations in PA stiffness and their clinical significance. Moreover, although several studies have assessed only load input in relation to stiffness, a more complete assessment based on dynamic stiffness measurements (force/velocity) and concomitant neuromuscular response may offer more information concerning mechanical properties of the low back. ⋯ This study is the first to assess erector spinae neuromuscular reflex responses simultaneously during spinal stiffness examination. This study demonstrated increased spinal stiffness index and positive neuromuscular reflex responses in subjects with frequent or constant LBP as compared with those reporting intermittent or no LBP.
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J Manipulative Physiol Ther · Oct 2001
Comparative StudyResponsiveness of visual analogue and McGill pain scale measures.
To compare the responsiveness of the McGill Pain Questionnaire with the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). ⋯ The results of this study suggest that the VAS may be a better tool than the McGill Pain Questionnaire for measuring pain in clinical trials and clinical practice.