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Table 1 Comparison of distribution of baseline variables between groups

From: Predicting a clinically important outcome in patients with low back pain following McKenzie therapy or spinal manipulation: a stratified analysis in a randomized controlled trial

 

McKenzie group

Manipulation group

  
 

Number of patients

%

Total

Number of patients

%

Total

RR (95% CI)

P-value

Age

        

Below 40

107

61.6%

175

117

66.9%

175

0.91 (0.78-1.07)

0.27

Gender

        

 Male

72

41.1%

175

83

47.4%

175

0.87 (0.69-1.10)

0.24

Duration of symptoms

        

 More than a year

55

31.4%

175

54

30.9%

175

1.01 (0.88-1.16)

0.91

Disability

        

 Mild/moderate¤

64

36.6%

175

68

38.9%

175

0.94 (0.72-1.23)

0.66

Leg pain¤¤

        

 Moderate/severe

92

52.6%

175

87

49.7%

175

1.06 (0.85-1.32)

0.59

Back pain¤¤

        

 Mild

19

10.9%

175

24

13.7%

175

0.79 (0.45-1.39)

0.42

Sickleave past year

        

 Six days or less¤¤¤

85

52.1%

163

87

52.7%

165

0.99 (0.80-1.20)

0.92

Nerve root involvement

        

 Yes*

18

10.3%

175

16

9.1%

175

1.13 (0.59-3.13)

0.72

Pain below the knee

        

 Yes

88

50.3%

175

102

58.3%

175

0.86 (0.71-1.05)

0.13

Expectations to recovery

        

 High**

84

52.5%

160

68

49.3%

138

1.07 (0.85-1.33)

0.58

Expectations to work

        

 High***

63

37.1%

170

76

43.9%

173

0.84 (0.65-1.09)

0.20

Pain response

        

 Centralization§

151

86.3%

175

156

89.1%

175

0.97 (0.89-1.05)

0.42

  1. N = 350 except Sick leave past year (N = 328), Expectations to recovery (N = 298) and Expectations to work (N = 343).
  2. RR = Relative Risks (95% confidence intervals) show the chance of having the characteristics in the McKenzie group compared to the Manipulation group (i.e. the chance of having pain below the knee in the McKenzie group compared to the Manipulation group).
  3. ¤The total score on Roland Morris were divided into mild (0-5), moderate (6-11), or severe (12-23) disability.
  4. ¤¤Each of the back and leg pain questionnaires included 3 separate 11 point box scales (0-30) comprising the following items: pain at the moment, the worst pain within the past two weeks, and the average level of pain within the last two weeks. For each questionnaires, these summed to a total score ranging from 0 points (no back or leg pain at all) to 30 points (worst possible back or leg pain). The total score was divided into mild (0-10), moderate (11-20), or severe (21-30) pain.
  5. ¤¤¤Number of days reported by the patient. Dichotomized into high/low risk groups according to scores above/below the median of 6 found in the sample.
  6. *Based on presence of dominant leg pain in any distribution as well as the following clinical signs of nerve root pain: positive straight leg raise test of less than 60 degrees that reproduced leg pain in combination with diminished reflexes, and/or muscle weakness in a myotomal or dermatomal pattern, and/or sensory disturbances.
  7. **Scored before the initiation of third treatment on an 11-point box scale. 0 indicates I expect no improvement at all; 10, I am certain that I will improve. Dichotomized into high/low risk groups according to the median scores: high (8 or above), low (below 8).
  8. ***Measured on an 11 point box scale regarding expectations about coping with work tasks in six weeks time (endpoints ‘No trouble at all’ and ‘So much trouble that I won’t be able to do my job at all’). Dichotomized into high/low risk groups according to the median scores low (3 or above); high (below 3).
  9. §Movement of symptoms from a distal to a more proximal location during pre-randomization physical screening.