Abstract
There is some evidence to suggest that, spinal manipulation, and general exercise may help patients with back pain.
We are conducting a randomised controlled trial to compare usual care in general practice for low back pain patients with exercise classes, a package of treatment by a manipulator, manipulation followed by exercise and to compare manipulation’s effect in private and NHS facilities.
Participants were recruited from 167 general practices belonging to the Medical Research Council General Practice Research Framework in 15 sites across the UK with a total registered population of 1,140,000 patients. A total of 1,334 correctly randomised participants have been recruited. Mean age of participants is 43 years, 55% are female and Mean Roland Morris score 8. Follow up rates at one and three months are 83% and 78% respectively. Follow up finishes in May 2002
It is possible to recruit large numbers of back pain patients for trials of physical therapy in primary care.
The abstracts were prepared by Dr C Pither. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the British Orthopaedic Association, Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PN
