Table 1 Final 18 predictor items placed in 5 Domains ranked by mean score and sum

Patient factors

1. Patient history of a good response to previous SMT

2. Patient has trust and high confidence in the practitioner

3. Patient susceptible to placebo effect

4. Patient has a comprehensive understanding of condition

Practitioner factors

5. Good patient-practitioner relationship

6. Professional opinion of health status - excellent/ very good

7. Practitioner understanding of patient expectations and goals

8. Professional opinion of health status – good

Signs and symptoms of NSLBP presentation

9. Duration of symptoms < 16 Days

10. Pain improves with exercise, but not rest

11. No symptoms in the lower extremities

12. Patient has an acute condition (< 14 days)

13. No symptoms distal to the knee

14. Decreased active range of motion

15. Decreased passive range of motion

16. Close reproduction of symptoms on spinal springing and/or end range loading

An instrument of measurement (FABQ)

17. Fear Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire work scale

The presence of an audible release following SMT

18. The production of an audible release (cavitation) at the moment of thrust