Provider kinematic strategies during the delivery of spinal manipulation and mobilization: a scoping review of the literature
Spinal manipulation (MAN) and mobilization (MOB) are biomechanically different yet both elicit pain reduction and increased range of motion. Previous investigations have focused on quantifying kinetics (e.g., applied forces) or, recipient kinematics (i.e., movements) during MAN and MOB. While these studies provide valuable information, they do not report on the strategies adopted by providers when performing the complex motor tasks of MAN and MOB. This review sought to synthesise the literature reporting on provider kinematics during the delivery of MAN and MOB.
'Which treatment do you believe you received?' A randomised blinding feasibility trial of spinal manual therapy
Blinding is essential for mitigating biases in trials of low back pain (LBP). Our main objectives were to assess the feasibility of blinding: (1) participants randomly allocated to active or placebo spinal manual therapy (SMT), and (2) outcome assessors. We also explored blinding by levels of SMT lifetime experience and recent LBP, and factors contributing to beliefs about the assigned intervention.
The association between individual radiographic findings and improvement after chiropractic spinal manipulation and home exercise among older adults with back-related disability: a secondary analysis
Some chiropractors use spinal x-rays to inform care, but the relationship between radiographic findings and outcomes is unclear. This study examined the association between radiographic findings and 30% improvement in back-related disability in older adults after receiving 12 weeks of chiropractic spinal manipulation and home exercise instruction.
Chiropractic international research collaborative (CIRCuit): the development of a new practice-based research network, including the demographics, practice, and clinical management characteristics of clinician participants
To describe the structure and development of a new international, chiropractic, practice-based research network (PBRN), the Chiropractic International Research Collaborative (CIRCuit), as well as the demographic, practice, and clinical management characteristics of its clinician participants. An electronic survey was used to collect information on their demographics, practice, and clinical management characteristics from clinicians from 17 October through 28 November 2022. Descriptive statistics were used to report the results.
Patient preferences for chiropractors' attire: a cross-sectional study of UQTR university-based chiropractic clinic
A significant body of research has examined how the attire of physicians and nurses affects patients' perceptions, preferences, and outcomes. However, limited research has focused on the clothing worn by other health professionals, such as chiropractors. The present study aims to explore patients' preferences and perceptions of chiropractors' attire.
Cross cultural adaptation and validation of the Hindi version of foot function index
The Foot Function Index (FFI) is a reliable and widely used standardized questionnaire that measures the impact of foot pathology on function. With 571 million Hindi-speaking people living globally and an increasing incidence of foot-related pathologies, it is imperative to cross-culturally translate and adapt a Hindi version of the FFI (FFI-Hi). We aimed to translate, cross-cultural adapt, and psychometrically test the FFI-Hi for use in Hindi-speaking individuals with foot conditions.
Dry needling as an adjunct treatment to multimodal rehabilitation protocol following rotator cuff repair surgery: a preliminary, randomized sham-controlled trial
Rotator cuff repair (RCR) is one of the most prevalent procedures to manage rotator cuff tears (RCT). Postoperative shoulder pain is a common complication following RCR and may be aggravated by activation of myofascial trigger points (MTrP) associated with the injury to the soft tissues surrounding the surgical incision. This study aimed to describe a preliminary, randomized, sham-controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of implementing 4 sessions of myofascial trigger point dry needling (MTrP-DN) as a muscle treatment approach along with 10 sessions of multimodal rehabilitation protocol (MRh) consisting of therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and electrotherapy on postoperative shoulder pain, range of motion (ROM), strength, and functional outcome scores for patients following RCR surgery.
Factors that contribute to the perceived treatment effect of spinal manipulative therapy in a chiropractic teaching clinic: a qualitative study
Despite the progress made in better understanding the potential mechanisms of spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) and its treatment effects, a knowledge gap continues to exist when identifying the specific factors that contribute to the perceived treatment effect associated with SMT. The purpose of the study was to explore the perceptions of chiropractic clinicians, interns, and patients regarding what factors during a doctor-patient encounter contribute to the perceived treatment effect associated with SMT.
Diagnostic imaging in the management of older adults with low back pain: analysis from the BAck Complaints in Elders: Chiropractic - Australia cohort study
Diagnostic imaging is commonly used in the management of low back pain (LBP), with approximately one-quarter of those who present to primary care referred for imaging. Current estimates of imaging frequency commonly exclude older adults; however, pathology detected with imaging (e.g., osteoporosis, cancer) may occur more frequently in older populations. The aims of this study were to: (i) determine the frequency and forms of diagnostic imaging use in older adults presenting for chiropractic care for LBP in Australia; (ii) describe participant characteristics associated with imaging use; and (iii) describe the types of radiographic findings.
Applying an osteopathic intervention to improve mild to moderate mental health symptoms: a mixed-methods feasibility randomised trial
The increasing prevalence of mental health disorders in the United Kingdom necessitates the exploration of novel treatment modalities. This study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a randomised controlled trial (RCT) evaluating the efficacy of four osteopathic interventions on psychophysiological and mental health outcomes.
The association between students' confidence and ability to modulate spinal manipulation force-time characteristics of specific target forces: a cross-sectional study
Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is a guideline-recommended care for musculoskeletal pain taught in various undergraduate programs. Visual feedback through force-sensing tables can improve modulation of SMT force-time characteristics and, potentially, students' confidence, both factors important for clinical competence and patient outcomes. However, it is unclear if a link exists between students' confidence and ability in SMT force-time modulation. We aim to investigate this relationship and whether it was moderated by experience.
Variability and repeatability of spinal manipulation force-time characteristics in thoracic spinal manipulation on a manikin
As part of multimodal therapy, spinal manipulation (SM) is a recommended and effective treatment for musculoskeletal pain. However, the underlying physiological mechanisms for pain relief are largely unknown. SM thrusts can be described and quantified using force-time characteristics (e.g. preload force, peak force, thrust speed, thrust duration, and thrust impulse). If these biomechanical parameters of SM are important for clinical outcomes, a large variability in the delivery of SM could lead to inconsistent responses and could thereby potentially mask a significant clinical effect. Our goal was to determine variability, and repeatability of thoracic spinal manipulation (SM) force-time profiles in a sample of Swiss chiropractors.
Assessing research culture and capacity amongst faculty at a north American chiropractic institution: an explanatory mixed methods study
Research enables a profession to establish its cultural authority, validate its professional roles and ensure ongoing improvement in the quality of its academic programming. Despite the clear importance of research, a mature research culture has eluded the chiropractic profession. A fostering institutional culture that enables, values, and supports research activity is essential to building research capacity. Our study aimed to collect information about the existing research capacity and culture at the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College (CMCC) and explore the views, attitudes and experiences of faculty members regarding research.
Enhancing patient-centred chiropractic care in Canada: identifying barriers, enablers, and strategies through a qualitative needs assessment
The Canadian Chiropractic Association (CCA) initiated a quality improvement project to develop best practices aimed at enhancing the patient experience.
Societal costs of older adults with low back pain seeking chiropractic care: findings from the BACE-C cohort study
To describe the societal costs during one year of follow-up among older adults seeking chiropractic care due to a new episode of low back pain (LBP), and to determine what factors predict high societal costs in this population.
The epidemiology of low back pain in chiropractors and chiropractic students: a systematic review of the literature
Chiropractors and chiropractic students commonly report low back pain (LBP). However, the burden of LBP in this occupational group has not been synthesized in the literature. This systematic review aims to describe the epidemiology of LBP in chiropractors and chiropractic students.
Burnout amongst chiropractic faculty, practitioners, and trainees: a scoping review
The purpose of this scoping review was to summarize the literature pertaining to burnout and chiropractic.
Assessing the change in prevalence and characteristics of canadians utilizing chiropractic services across two time periods 2001-2010 and 2015-2018: a population-based repeated cross-sectional study
Despite increases in musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in Canada, evidence suggests utilization of chiropractic services has remained relatively stable over time. Understanding the extent to which chiropractors are consulted and factors associated with their utilization may suggest factors related to accessing care. We assessed the change in prevalence and characteristics of Canadians seeking chiropractic care across two time periods 2001-2010 and 2015-2018.
Mechanisms of manipulation: a systematic review of the literature on immediate anatomical structural or positional changes in response to manually delivered high-velocity, low-amplitude spinal manipulation
Spinal manipulation (SM) has been claimed to change anatomy, either in structure or position, and that these changes may be the cause of clinical improvements. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate and synthesise the peer-reviewed literature on the current evidence of anatomical changes in response to SM.
Social inequity in chiropractic utilisation - a cross-sectional study in Denmark, 2010 and 2017
Inequity in healthcare utilisation refers to differences between groups that remain after adjustment for need for health care. To our knowledge, no previous studies have aimed to assess social inequity in chiropractic utilisation in a general population. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate social inequity in chiropractic utilisation in the general Danish population adjusted for health status as a proxy of need for chiropractic care.
Prognostic factors for long-term improvement in pain and disability among patients with persistent low back pain
Prognostic research in low back pain (LBP) is essential for understanding and managing the condition. This study aimed to, (1) describe the proportions with mild-moderate and severe pain and disability at baseline, 1-year and 4-year follow-up, and (2) investigate prognostic factors for improvement in pain and disability over 4 years in a cohort of secondary care LBP patients.