Influence of Flexion Distraction Manipulation on Measures of Performance and Postural Control

Objective This research study will evaluate human performance and postural balance changes during the course of care with flexion distraction manipulation in multiple chiropractic practices.

Methods:

All patients who can stand without severe pain (able to stand normally at a 7 or below on qualitative analog visual pain scale [QVAS]) will be invited to participate. The goal is to recruit 150 participants from approximately 10 chiropractic practices. Volunteers will be given an informed consent document to read and if eligible and willing to participate will sign the informed consent document. At baseline and each subsequent testing visit, participants will complete the following:

• a numerical pain rating index (0-10) for each of the following: headache, neck pain, mid back pain and low back pain
• Keele STarT Back Screening Tool
• Assessment of Balance Confidence Questionnaire (ABC-6)
• Posture testing via force plate: Modified Test of Sensory Integration and Balance (MCTSIB), Single leg stance, limits of stability,
• Timed up and go and 5 times sit to stand tests The design of this study is observational, pre-post. Posture and performance testing is expected to last no more than 10 minutes per participant per visit. Subjective data will be captured via RedCap while objective data will be recorded by each clinician and uploaded to secure server.

The design of this study is observational, pre-post. Posture and performance testing is expected to last no more than 10 minutes per participant per visit. Subjective data will be captured via RedCap while objective data will be recorded by each clinician and uploaded to secure server.