Riassunto dello studio

Twenty-seven patients with non-specific chronic low back pain were randomized in a cross-over design to receive lumbar mobilization and lumbar manipulation on two separate days, one week apart (n=27). The primary outcome was pressure pain thresholds (local and remote). Secondary outcomes were numeric pain rating (0–10) and lumbar range of motion (flexion/extension/lateral flexion). Outcomes were assessed immediately before and after each intervention. Overall, the results showed no between-technique differences for any outcome (all p>0.05), but both techniques produced significant within-session improvements in pain intensity and several pressure pain threshold sites. These findings suggest mobilization and manipulation yield similar immediate hypoalgesic effects; thus, choice can be guided by clinical judgment and patient factors.