Patient and therapist beliefs about spinal manipulation and physical therapy for low back pain
Official title: Patient and Physical Therapist Perspectives on Spinal Manipulative Therapy for Low Back Pain
Run by University of Florida · NCT06590116 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will see if patients' and their physical therapists' thoughts and beliefs change how much people with chronic low back pain improve from physical therapy that may include spinal manipulation, exercise, and education.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 70 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Florida Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Gainesville, Florida) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 17, 2024 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | March 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 12, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06590116 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults who meet NIH Task Force criteria for chronic low back pain with pain between the 12th rib and buttocks, who are not pregnant, have no prior lumbosacral surgery, no neurogenic radiculopathy or red flags, and who will receive physical therapy at the study site are ideal candidates.
✕Probably not a fit
People with prior lumbar spine surgery, active red-flag conditions (like fracture, infection, or cauda equina), current pregnancy, or those already receiving spinal manipulation or exercise from other providers are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults with chronic low back pain will receive physical therapy as decided by their treating physical therapist, which may include spinal manipulative therapy, exercise, and education. Both patients and their physical therapists will complete questionnaires about expectations, beliefs, and attitudes toward low back pain and its treatments before and during care. Researchers will link these belief measures to patient-reported outcomes to determine whether certain beliefs predict larger or smaller improvements. The protocol uses real-world clinical care rather than mandating specific treatment procedures to examine the interaction between therapist and patient beliefs and outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could help clinicians tailor physical therapy to patients' and therapists' beliefs to improve outcomes for people with chronic low back pain.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research has shown that patient expectations and clinician beliefs can influence outcomes in musculoskeletal care, but applying these measures specifically to spinal manipulative therapy within routine physical therapy is less well-studied.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pain between 12th rib and buttocks with or without symptoms into one or both legs, which, in the opinion of the examiner, originate from the lumbar region. * Meets NIH Task Force criteria for chronic low back pain Exclusion Criteria: * Prior surgery to the lumbosacral spine * Currently pregnant * Not currently receiving spinal manipulative therapy or exercise interventions from another healthcare provider such as a chiropractor or massage therapist. * No neurogenic signs indicating radiculopathy * No "red flags" of a potentially serious condition (e.g., cauda equina syndrome, fracture, cancer, infection, etc.)
Where it's running
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, United States Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.