Table 3 Eligibility criteria for components of a new definition of manipulation
Component | Criterion | Include/exclude |
|---|---|---|
Consistency | Manipulation should not be defined by characteristics that occur inconsistently | Exclude |
Intention | Intentions should not appear within a definition of any healthcare intervention (including manipulation) | Exclude |
Biological target | The biological target of a manipulation is a synovial joint and should be incorporated within a definition | Include |
Mechanical response | A definition of manipulation should incorporate events that consistently occur in and around affected synovial joint(s) | Include |
Universality | A definition of manipulation that is sufficient for one synovial joint should be sufficient for any other | Include |
Action | A definition of manipulation should incorporate the active components that are necessary to create the mechanical response | Include |
Origins of action | A definition of manipulation should not place unnecessary limits upon the origins of the action | Exclude |
Downstream effects | Manipulation should not be defined by downstream effects on shared physiological pathways | Exclude |
Conditions | The occurrence of manipulation should not be defined by conditions of health, disease, or pathology | Exclude |
Outcomes | Healthcare interventions (including manipulation) should not be defined by clinical outcomes | Exclude |
Taxonomic consistency | A definition of manipulation should be taxonomically consistent with other (manual therapy) interventions | Include |