Exploration of clinical changes following a novel mobilisation technique for treatment of chronic low back pain: A single cohort design

SummaryTo explore clinical changes following a novel manual mobilisation technique, 24 participants who experienced 'moderate' to 'severe' chronic low back pain were recruited from new patients attending a suburban osteopathy clinic. The intervention was a previously undescribed side-lying mobilisation technique targeting the lumbosacral spine (median of 6 treatment sessions). After 8 weeks reductions were shown in Oswestry Disability Index of 15 points (95% CI: 9.3, 22.7; p < 0.0001 for overall ANOVA); Quadruple Visual Analogue Scale of 2.0 points (95% CI: 1.0, 3.0; p < 0.0001); and Patient Specific Functional Scale of 3.1 points (95% CI: 1.9, 4.3; p < 0.0001). The results indicate that pain intensity, disability and function improved in most participants following treatment. Further investigation is indicated using more robust research designs to compare this approach with other treatment approaches and usual care for the treatment of chronic low back pain.