United Kingdom back pain exercise and manipulation (UK BEAM) randomised trial

Introduction

Study characteristics:

• 1344 patients, mean age 43 years
• 4 weeks of simple back pain (all patients)
• no radiation of pain below knees ,

Groups:

• routine care
• routine care +
  • exercise classes (8 in 4-8 weeks)
  • chiropractic or osteopathic manipulation
  • manipulation followed by exercise class (combined)

Results:

• primary outcome measured by 24 point Roland disability score*

intervention	3 months	12 months
routine	0	0
exercise	1.4	0
manipulation	1.6	1.0
combined	1.9	1.3

* Improvement relative to routine care Roland disability score points (mean improvement values)

More general terms

• clinical trial

Additional terms

• back pain