Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics
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J Manipulative Physiol Ther · Jan 2004
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialGuidance hypothesis with verbal feedback in learning a palpation skill.
To investigate whether a force application of a novel motor skill was simple or complex and to determine the appropriate level of feedback during training. The objective was to determine the effects of various amounts of knowledge of results (KR) on learning a novel skill that is frequently taught in chiropractic for the assessment of vertebral motor unit dysfunction. ⋯ The results of this study show data to be consistent with the guidance hypothesis in learning a novel motor skill. The constant KR feedback is beneficial for learning when used to reduce error during practice but detrimental when relied upon for retention and learning. These data suggest the necessity of using motor skill development learning theory in the teaching of chiropractic.
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J Manipulative Physiol Ther · Nov 2003
Meta AnalysisEfficacy of spinal manipulative therapy for low back pain of less than three months' duration.
To review the efficacy of spinal manipulation for low back pain of less than 3 months duration. Data sources Randomized clinical trials on spinal manipulative therapy for low back pain were identified by searching EMBASE, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). Study selection Outcome measures of interest were pain, return to work, adverse events, disability, quality of life, and patient satisfaction with therapy. Data extraction Methodological assessment of the trials was performed using the PEDro scale. Trials were grouped according to the type of intervention, outcome measures, and follow-up time. Where there were multiple studies with sufficient homogeneity of interventions, subjects, and outcomes, the results were analyzed in a meta-analysis using a random effects model. Data synthesis Thirty-four papers (27 trials) met the inclusion criteria. Three small studies showed spinal manipulative therapy produces better outcomes than placebo therapy or no treatment for nonspecific low back pain of less than 3 months duration. The effects are, however, small. The findings of individual studies suggest that spinal manipulative therapy also seems to be more effective than massage and short wave therapy. It is not clear if spinal manipulative therapy is more effective than exercise, usual physiotherapy, or medical care in the first 4 weeks of treatment. ⋯ Spinal manipulative therapy produces slightly better outcomes than placebo therapy, no treatment, massage, and short wave therapy for nonspecific low back pain of less than 3 months duration. Spinal manipulative therapy, exercise, usual physiotherapy, and medical care appear to produce similar outcomes in the first 4 weeks of treatment.
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J Manipulative Physiol Ther · Nov 2003
Clinical TrialNeuromechanical characterization of in vivo lumbar spinal manipulation. Part I. Vertebral motion.
To quantify in vivo spinal motions and coupling patterns occurring in human subjects in response to mechanical force, manually assisted, short-lever spinal manipulative thrusts (SMTs) applied to varying vertebral contact points and utilizing various excursion (force) settings. ⋯ In vivo kinematic measurements of the lumbar spine during the application of SMTs over the FJs and SPs corroborate previous spinous process measurements in human subjects. Our findings demonstrate that PA, ML, and AX spinal motions are coupled and dependent on applied force and contact point.
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J Manipulative Physiol Ther · Sep 2003
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialA pilot study for a randomized clinical trial assessing chiropractic care, medical care, and self-care education for acute and subacute neck pain patients.
To conduct a pilot study in preparation for a full-scale randomized clinical trial assessing conservative treatments for acute and subacute neck pain. Study design Prospective, randomized pilot study. ⋯ Recruitment of patients appears feasible for a full-scale randomized clinical trial evaluating chiropractic spinal manipulation, medical care, and self-care education for acute and subacute neck pain. Patient and provider compliance with study protocols was excellent, and the pilot study allowed us to further develop and optimize our data collection processes. Although pilot studies such as these require substantial time, money, and effort, they provide valuable information for future research efforts.
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J Manipulative Physiol Ther · Sep 2003
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical TrialRandomized clinical trial of conservative treatment for patients with whiplash-associated disorders: considerations for the design and dynamic treatment protocol.
Whiplash concerns a considerable problem to health care. Available evidence from systematic reviews indicates beneficial effects of active interventions for patients with whiplash injury. In order to evaluate whether a general practitioner or a physiotherapist should provide these active interventions, we have designed a randomized clinical trial. ⋯ To date, generally the effect of one intervention compared to another intervention has been examined. In our opinion, this cannot be considered as usual care for physiotherapy or general practice. Therefore, a dynamic treatment protocol has been developed to structure the black box of usual physiotherapy and general practice treatment. The results of this trial will be available in 0.5 year.