Thrust Versus Non-thrust Manipulation in Chronic Low Back Pain

The Effects of Thrust Versus Non-thrust Manipulation on Pain, Trunk Proprioception and Postural Stability in Subjects With Chronic Low Back Pain

This study aims to verify the effects of Thrust Versus Non-thrust Manipulation on Pain, Trunk Proprioception and Postural Stability in Subjects With Chronic Low Back Pain.

Forty individuals with chronic low back pain will be randomly assigned, by a researcher not involved in data collection, to two treatment groups: Thrust manipulation (side-lying rotational manipulation standardized to the L4-L5 level) or non-thrust manipulation (side-lying grade III rotational non-thrust manipulation). A single treatment session will be provided.

Outcome measurement will be conducted immediately after the treatment session. Data will be collected by a blinded assessor. Between-group differences will be calculated by constructing mixed linear models following an intention-to-treat principle.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age greater than 18 years
• Chronic Low back pain (pain lasting for at least 12 weeks)
• NPRS ≥ 3

Exclusion Criteria:

• Previous surgery or fracture at the lumbar spine
• Pregnancy
• Inflammatory disorders
• Symptoms distal to the gluteal line
• Having received manipulative treatment in the past four weeks