A Randomized, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study on the Efficacy of the Arthrokinematic Approach-Hakata Method in Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain

Study designcized, single-blind, controlled trial.ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of the Arthrokinematic approach (AKA)-Hakata (H) method for chronic low back pain.Summary of Background DataThe AKA-H method is used to manually treat abnormalities of intra-articular movement.MethodsOne hundred eighty-six patients with chronic nonspecific low back pain randomly received either the AKA-H method (AKA-H group) or the sham technique (S group) monthly for 6 months. Data were collected at baseline and once a month. Outcome measures were pain intensity (visual analogue scale [VAS]) and quality of life (the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire [RDQ] and Short Form SF-36 questionnaire [SF-36]).ResultsAt baseline, the VAS, RDQ, and SF-36 scores showed similar levels between the groups. After 6 months, the AKA-H group had more improvement in the VAS (42.8% improvement) and RDQ score (31.1% improvement) than the sham group (VAS: 10.4% improvement; RDQ: 9.8% improvement; both, P ConclusionThe AKA-H method can be effective in managing chronic low back pain.Trial RegistrationUMIN Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) UMIN000006250.