title: Effects of spinal manipulation on sensorimotor function in low back pain patients--A randomised controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Low back pain (LBP) is a major health problem in industrialized societies. Spinal manipulation (SM) is often used for treating LBP, though the therapeutic mechanisms remain elusive. Research suggests that sensorimotor changes may be involved in LBP. It is hypothesized that SM may generate its beneficial effects by affecting sensorimotor functions.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare changes in sensorimotor function, as measured by postural sway and response to sudden load, in LBP patients following the delivery of high-velocity low amplitude (HVLA)-SM or low-velocity variable amplitude (LVVA)-SM versus a sham control intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  A three-arm (1:1:1 ratio) randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 221 participants who were between 21 and 65 years, having LBP intensity (numerical rating scale) ≥4 at either phone screen or the first baseline visit and ≥2 at phone screen and both baseline visits, and Quebec Task Force diagnostic classifications of 1, 2, 3 or 7 were enrolled to receive four SM treatments over two weeks. Study outcomes were measured at the first and fifth visits with the examiners blinded from participant group assignment.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The LVVA-SM group demonstrated a significant increase in medial-to-lateral postural excursion on the soft surface at the first visit when compared to the control group. No other significant between-group differences were found for the two sensorimotor tests, whether during the first visit or over two weeks.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  It appears that short-term SM does not affect the sensorimotor functions as measured by postural sway and response to sudden load in this study.
authors: Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, IA, USA. Electronic address: christine.goertz@palmer.edu.
authors: Christine M
authors: CM
authors: Goertz
authors: Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, IA, USA.
authors: Ting
authors: T
authors: Xia
authors: Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, IA, USA.
authors: Cynthia R
authors: CR
authors: Long
authors: Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, IA, USA.
authors: Robert D
authors: RD
authors: Vining
authors: Department of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
authors: Katherine A
authors: KA
authors: Pohlman
authors: Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, IA, USA.
authors: James W
authors: JW
authors: DeVocht
authors: Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Davenport, IA, USA.
authors: Maruti R
authors: MR
authors: Gudavalli
authors: Dr. Sid E. Williams Center for Chiropractic Research, Life University, Marietta, GA, USA.
authors: Edward F
authors: EF
authors: Owens
authors: Palmer College of Chiropractic, West Campus, San Jose, CA, USA.
authors: William C
authors: WC
authors: Meeker
authors: Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA.
authors: David G
authors: DG
authors: Wilder
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D020393:Manipulation, Spinal / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D066191:Sensorimotor Cortex / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Clinical trial; Low back pain; Sensorimotor function; Spinal manipulation