Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
07:12
Clinical Efficacy of an Innovative Multidimensional Traction Therapy in Moderate Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis
Published on: February 10, 2026
Spinal manual therapy interventions for pediatric patients: a systematic review
Daniel W Vaughn1, Lisa K Kenyon, Corey M Sobeck
1Grand Valley State University, Grand Rapids, MI, USA.
The Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy
|August 2, 2013
Summary
Limited research exists on spinal manual therapy (SMT) for pediatric headaches and spinal pain. More studies are needed to determine the efficacy and safety of SMT in children and adolescents.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Evidence-based medicine
- Manual therapy research
Background:
- Efficacy of manual therapy for adult headaches and spinal pain is well-documented.
- Limited research exists on manual therapy interventions for pediatric populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the evidence for spinal manual therapy (SMT) in pediatric patients aged 4-17 years.
- To evaluate SMT interventions for headaches and/or mechanical spinal pain in children.
Main Methods:
- Searched multiple databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane, PEDro, PubMed, Sports Discus) for English articles from the past 15 years.
- Included studies with pain, function, or quality of life outcomes; excluded post-operative or spinal curvature interventions.
- Four studies (2 RCTs, 2 prospective cohort) were evaluated using GRADE criteria.
Main Results:
- Only four studies met the inclusion criteria for the review.
- The available evidence base for SMT in pediatric patients is currently very limited.
- Included studies varied in their level of evidence, with two RCTs and two lower-level studies.
Conclusions:
- Insufficient data exists to support or refute the use of SMT for pediatric headaches and spinal pain.
- Further high-quality research is necessary to establish an evidence-based foundation for SMT in children.
- The current evidence does not provide strong guidance for clinicians regarding SMT in pediatric populations.
