The influence of flexion distraction spinal manipulation on patients with lumbar spinal stenosis: A prospective, open-label, single-arm, pilot study.

Dean L Smith, Kurt Olding, Christopher A Malaya, Matthew McCarty, Joshua Haworth, Katherine A Pohlman

Journal: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies 2022;32():60-67

PMID: 36180160

Full Text on Elsevier Science View on PubMed

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

Evaluate chiropractic care including flexion distraction spinal manipulation for improving function, symptoms and performance-based mobility in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) using a pretest-posttest design.

METHODS

Data were collected at baseline, midpoint and final visits prior to care on each visit. Objective data included Timed Up and Go, Five Times Sit to Stand, and balance (force plate). An additional balance assessment was also conducted after care on the baseline visit. Subjective data included: Activities-Specific Balance Confidence Scale, Zurich Claudication Questionnaire, and pain ratings. Balance data were securely transferred via iDrive; the others were collected via REDCap.

RESULTS

Twelve patients (mean age = 83.5 years ± 5.71) completed the average midpoint visit at 9 visits and the final visit at 13.7 visits. Timed Up and Go and Five Times Sit to Stand Test decreased by 5.2 and 6.7 s at midpoint and 5.4 and 5.7 s at the final visit, respectively compared to the baseline visit (p < 0.05). Baseline visit pre-post reductions were found in anterior-posterior sample entropy and mean frequency of postural sway (p < 0.05). No balance change was found between baseline and mid or final visits. All subjective measures had statistically and clinically meaningful improvement.

CONCLUSION

Significant improvement in objective and subjective outcomes were found after a pragmatic course of care including spinal manipulation in LSS patients.

Address: Department of Kinesiology, Nutrition and Health, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio and Essence of Wellness Chiropractic Center, Eaton, OH, USA. Electronic address: [email protected].; Minster Chiropractic Center, Minster, OH, USA.; Research Center, Parker University, Dallas, TX, USA; Center for Neuromotor and Biomechanics Research, University of Houston, Houston, Texas and Research Center, Parker University, Dallas, TX, USA.; Kent State College of Podiatric Medicine, Independence, OH, USA.; Department of Human Movement Science, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA.; Center for Neuromotor and Biomechanics Research, University of Houston, Houston, Texas and Research Center, Parker University, Dallas, TX, USA.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2022.05.012

Link outs

Free resources

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/spinalstenosis.html

Subscription / membership required

Full Text Sources:

MeSH Terms: Aged, 80 and over, Humans, Lumbar Vertebrae, Manipulation, Spinal, Pilot Projects, Prospective Studies, Spinal Stenosis, Treatment Outcome