Baseline individual factors associated with clinical outcomes in adults with non-specific low back pain following manual therapy: a systematic review.

backgroundPrimary care providers consider the identification of patient subgroups as a high research priority. Unfortunately, evidence to support the benefit of treatments targeting subgroups of patients with NSLBP remains inconsistent. Specifically, little is known about baseline individual patient characteristics associated with optimal clinical improvement from manual therapy. This systematic review aims to identify baseline individual factors (BIFs), including patient characteristics, self-reported questionnaires, clinical examination, and ancillary test factors associated with clinical improvement (or lack of) among adult patients with Non-Specific Low Back Pain (NSLBP) following manual therapy.

methodsA systematic review of published evidence in Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Index To Chiropractic Literature, and CINAHL was conducted until April 2024. Studies included participants aged 18 years and over with NSLBP and without radiculopathy. Participants received manual therapies, including musculoskeletal manipulation/mobilization (spinal and extremities) and soft tissue therapy. We excluded mechanically assisted manipulations and interventions mainly involving exercise, education, and/or advice. Two independent assessors screened studies for inclusion, extracted data, and assessed risks of bias using the Quality In Prognosis Studies (QUIPS) Tools. A qualitative synthesis of findings was undertaken. BIFs were synthesized according to patient-reported outcomes measure domains: 1) pain intensity measures, 2) disability measures, 3) global perceived effect, and 4) other factors (e.g., satisfaction with care, total number of visits).

resultsData from 19 studies (reported in 21 articles) involving 4,689 participants were analyzed. Twelve studies reported pain intensity, 18 reported disability outcomes, and 4 reported patient's global perceived effect. Over 70% of the included studies had a high risk of confounding bias. Included studies explored the potential association between clinical outcomes and 172 BIFs. BIFs were categorized into patient characteristics (n = 40), self-reported questionnaire (n = 31), clinical examination (n = 82), and ancillary tests (n = 20). Fourteen multivariate models explored the association with clinical improvement, and four others investigated the association with non-improvement. Findings were inconsistent across studies.

conclusionUsing BIFs in clinical practice to predict clinical outcomes following manual therapy treatment appears to be premature. Future studies should aim to replicate the results and differentiate prognostic factors from treatment effect modifiers.

trial registrationCRD42019131416.