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Table 2 Descriptions of the interventions

From: Short term treatment versus long term management of neck and back disability in older adults utilizing spinal manipulative therapy and supervised exercise: a parallel-group randomized clinical trial evaluating relative effectiveness and harms

Intervention

Type

Program design

Delivery method

Dose

SMT

High velocity, low amplitude manipulation (can be drop-table assisted) [[41]]

Individualized: spinal regions treated and type of therapy used is determined by the chiropractor [[42],[43]]

Treatment delivered by licensed chiropractors with at least 5 years experience

20 to 30 minute visits

Minimum: 1 visit/month

Low velocity, low amplitude mobilization

Maximum: 2 visits/week

Individualized: Number of treatments determined by chiropractor & patient [[40],[44],[45]]

Manual distraction, gentle soft tissue massage, hot or cold therapy, and active or passive muscle stretching to facilitate SMT

SRE

Aerobic warm up

Partially individualized: exercise selection, progression, and repetitions are determined by patient’s abilities and tolerance

Supervised by exercise therapists*

45 to 60 minute sessions

Stretching, strengthening, and balance exercises

Minimum: 1 session/month

One-on-one

Home exercise encouraged between sessions

Advice to stay active; self-care tips for pain management [[46],[47]]

Uses resistance bands, stability trainers, chairs

  1. *Exercise therapists are under the supervision of treating chiropractors.