Riassunto dello studio

30 patients with chronic low back pain were randomized to receive global spinal manipulation targeting the thoracolumbar and lumbopelvic regions or a placebo intervention consisting of an inactive infrared LED therapy belt. The outcomes of interest were static, quasi-static, and dynamic balance, assessed using the modified Sensory Organization Test (SOT) and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT), pressure pain threshold (PPT) measured by algometry, as well as analyses exploring the influence of disability, kinesiophobia, and psychosocial factors. Outcomes were assessed before treatment, immediately after intervention, at 24 hours, and at 1 week. Overall, the results of the study revealed that a single spinal manipulation session did not significantly improve static, quasi-static, or dynamic balance compared with placebo. Although PPT values tended to favour the manipulation group, these effects were modest and exploratory. The findings suggest that a single session of spinal manipulation is insufficient to produce meaningful improvements in postural control in individuals with chronic low back pain.