Immediate effect of a spinal mobilisation intervention on muscle stiffness, tone and elasticity in subjects with lower back pain – A randomized cross-over trial

• Published in: Journal of bodywork and movement therapies Vol. 29; no. NA; pp. 60 - 67
• Main Authors: Hamilton, Rebecca I., Garden, Claire L.P., Brown, Susan J.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Ltd 01.01.2022
• Subjects: Biomechanics; Cross-Over Studies; Elasticity; Humans; Low Back Pain - therapy; Lower back pain; Muscle stiffness; Muscles; Myometry; Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation; Spinal mobilisations; Spine; Biomechanics; Muscle stiffness; Spinal mobilisations; Lower back pain; Myometry
• ISSN: 1360-8592; 1532-9283; 1532-9283
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2021.09.032

Despite the lack of objective evidence, spinal manual therapies have been common practice for many years, particularly for treatment of lower back pain (LBP). This exploratory study measured and analysed the effect of a spinal mobilisation intervention on muscle tissue quality in LBP sufferers. 40 people with LBP participated in a within-subject repeated measures cross-over study with intervention and control conditions. A myometer was used to assess the change in para-spinal muscle tissue quality before and after the intervention. Analysis considered the magnitude of muscle response together with individual covariates as potential contributors. A significant post-intervention reduction was observed in muscle stiffness (p = 0.012, η 2 partial = 0.15), tone (p = 0.001, η 2 partial = 0.25) and elasticity (p = 0.001, η 2 partial = 0.24). Significant increases were seen in 2 variables post-control: stiffness (p = 0.004, η 2 partial = 0.19), tone (p = 0.006, η 2 partial = 0.18) and a significant decrease in elasticity (p ˂ 0.000, η 2 partial = 0.3). Significant contributing covariates include baseline stiffness, BMI, waist circumference and sex. Baseline stiffness and tone were significantly correlated to their response levels. The significant reduction in all muscle tissue qualities following the intervention provide preliminary data for an evidence-based LBP therapeutic. Baseline stiffness, BMI, waist circumference and sex could act as significant contributors to magnitude of response. The results warrant further investigation into spinal mobilisation therapies to further build the objective evidence base. •Exploratory biomechanical investigation of spinal mobilisations in lower back pain sufferers.•Immediate and significant reduction revealed in myometry muscle stiffness and tone post intervention.•Statistical analysis of potential contributors to myometry muscle stiffness response.•Baseline stiffness levels revealed as significant contributor to level of change.