Perceptions and use of passive intervertebral motion assessment of the spine: A survey among physiotherapists specializing in manual therapy

Abstract Manual therapists commonly use passive intervertebral motion (PIVM) assessment within physical examination. Data describing the use and interpretation of this manual diagnostic procedure, as well as therapists' perception of related importance and confidence, are lacking. A survey was...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Manual therapy 2009-06, Vol.14 (3), p.243-251
Main Authors: van Trijffel, Emiel, Oostendorp, Rob A.B, Lindeboom, Robert, Bossuyt, Patrick M.M, Lucas, Cees
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Attitude of Health Personnel
Humans
Intervertebral Disc
Intervertebral Disc Displacement - rehabilitation
Manipulation, Spinal - methods
Manual therapy
Netherlands
Physical examination
Physical Examination - methods
Physical Examination - statistics & numerical data
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Physical Therapy Specialty - methods
Population Surveillance
Range of Motion, Articular
Reproducibility of Results
Spine
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Summary:Abstract Manual therapists commonly use passive intervertebral motion (PIVM) assessment within physical examination. Data describing the use and interpretation of this manual diagnostic procedure, as well as therapists' perception of related importance and confidence, are lacking. A survey was conducted among Dutch physiotherapists specializing in manual therapy (MT) using a 13-item, self-administered, structured questionnaire. Three hundred and sixty-seven questionnaires were analysed. Response rate from the postal part of the survey was 56%. Dutch manual therapists most frequently apply passive segmental motion assessment to the cervical region and they prefer three-dimensionally coupled motions. They consider end-feel or, to a lesser extent, provocation of patient's pain as decisive for diagnostic conclusions. Respondents believe that these spinal motion tests are important for treatment decisions and are confident in their conclusions drawn from it. These perceptions were largely stable across subgroups of therapists with different gender, age, experience, and educational background. Weekly amount of work related to spinal disorders was positively associated with perceived importance and confidence. Reported use and interpretation of PIVM assessment and related perceptions could only partly be substantiated by evidence. Results from this survey will help researchers design studies better reflecting daily practice in MT.
ISSN:1356-689X
1532-2769
DOI:10.1016/j.math.2008.02.005