A survey of health practitioners who treat patients with low back pain

Principal Investigator: David Walton, B.Sc., M.Sc., PhD, University of Western Ontario
Co- Investigator: Joe Putos, B.P.E., B.Ed., B.Sc. PT, M. Ed., PhD (Student), University of Western Ontario

Invitation to Participate

You are being invited to participate in a survey that is part of a research study looking at treatment of low back pain by health practitioners who use spinal manipulation.

Purpose of the Letter

The purpose of this letter is to provide you with information required for you to make an informed decision regarding participation in this research.

Why is this study being done?

Low back pain (LBP) is the most common musculoskeletal pain complaint seen in primary care. LBP can arise from dysfunction in a variety of systems, which has led to a large variety of treatment approaches and techniques. One common approach to non-pharmacological management of low back pain is spinal manipulation or adjustment. Despite widespread use of the technique by physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopathic doctors and medical physicians, the actual mechanism of action of spinal manipulation remains largely underdeveloped, tending to rely on anecdote and theory. While some positive clinical effects have been demonstrated with spinal manipulation, a stronger understanding of the mechanism of action is an important component of evidence-based practice and can influence around policy and practice. The current study is part of a larger program that seeks to provide a better understanding of the mechanisms that explain benefit from spinal manipulation.

What is the purpose of this study?

This research program represents a new direction for research into the mechanisms underlying spinal manipulation. One of the first steps of a new research program is to gauge the importance of the question by collecting information on the degree to which the technique under study is used clinically, and to appreciate the ways in which those who actually use the technique understand its effects. The purpose of this survey is to collect information about clinical practices on patients with low back pain and opinions on the mechanisms of spinal manipulation for low back pain management from various health disciplines in different countries.

What is involved?

If you volunteer to participate in the study, you will be asked to answer an internet-based survey on what you are currently doing to treat patients with low back pain in your usual clinical practice.

The survey consists of two parts. In Part 1 you will be asked to respond to fourteen (14) questions (choose a response or short answer) about practice matters for assessing and treating patients with low back pain. In Part 2, you will be asked six (6) questions about personal details including, gender, professional designation, years qualified as a practitioner, place of work, country of registration and post graduate training.

Part 1 of the survey will take 15 – 20 minutes to complete. Part 2 will take 3 – 5 minutes to complete. Upon study completion all registrants, whether they complete the survey or not, will be entered into a draw to win a $50 Amazon gift card.

How many people will be in this study?

We are anticipating 200 to 300 survey responses.

What are the possible risks?

There are no foreseeable risks associated with this study. You may feel worried about Your responses. There are no right or wrong answers and you will be completing the survey anonymous