title: Effects of flexion-distraction manipulation therapy on pain and disability in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.
abstract: [Purpose] This study examined the effects of flexion-distraction manipulation therapy on pain and disability in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis. [Subjects] Thirty patients with lumbar spinal stenosis were divided into two groups: a conservative treatment group (n=15) and a flexion-distraction manipulation group (n=15). [Methods] The conservative treatment group received conservative physical therapy, and the flexion-distraction group received both conservative physical therapy and flexion-distraction manipulation therapy. Both groups received treatment 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The Visual Analog Scale was used to measure pain intensity, and the Oswestry Disability Index was used to evaluate the level of disability caused by the pain. [Results] The Visual Analog Scale scores for pain were significantly decreased in both groups. In the between-group comparison, the decrease in pain was more significant in the flexion-distraction group. According to the Oswestry Disability Index, the level of disability was significantly decreased in both groups, but the decrease was more significant in the flexion-distraction group. [Conclusion] Flexion-distraction manipulation appears to be an effective intervention for pain and disability among patients with lumbar spinal stenosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Graduate School of Physical Therapy, Daegu University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jioun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Youngdong University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Sangyong
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, The Most Holy Trinity Hospital, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Chunbae
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Jeon
keywords: Disability; Flexion-distraction manipulation; Spinal stenosis