Table 1 Eligibility criteria determined during case review for Trial 1

Inclusion criteria

Rationale

Acute, sub-acute, or chronic low back pain matching Quebec Task Force classifications 1, 2, 3, or 7

Low back pain, uncomplicated by known nerve root compression, neurological signs, or prior surgery

Exclusion criteria

Rationale

Bleeding disorders

Potential intolerance to biomechanical testing or treatment protocols

Vascular claudication

Potential intolerance to biomechanical testing protocols

Bone and joint abnormality

Potential intolerance to biomechanical testing or treatment protocols

Inflammatory or destructive tissue changes to the spine

Potential intolerance to biomechanical testing or treatment protocols

Osteoporosis

Potential intolerance to biomechanical testing or treatment protocols

General poor health

Overall condition is too poor to tolerate treatment and biomechanical testing procedures

Neuromuscular diseases

Condition may interfere with data collection/interpretation

Peripheral neuropathies

Condition may interfere with data collection/interpretation

Prior spinal surgery

Condition may interfere with data collection/interpretation

Suspicion of drug or alcohol abuse

Condition may interfere with data collection, ability to comply with study protocol, and requires referral

Contraindication to spinal manipulation

Safety concern for treatment protocols

Low back pain matching Quebec Task Force classifications 4 to 6 and 8 to 11

Condition of sufficiently complicated nature to cause intolerance to biomechanical testing procedures or data collection

Cauda equina syndrome

Requires emergency surgical evaluation

Further diagnostic procedures other than dipstick urinalysis or X-rays

Advanced diagnostic tests outside study scope

Compliance concerns

May compromise ability to adhere to study protocol