Cracking the code: unveiling the specific and shared mechanisms behind musculoskeletal interventions

Amy W. McDevitt; Bryan O’Halloran; Chad E. Cook

doi:10.1186/s40945-023-00168-3

Authors

Amy W. McDevitt Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, CO, Aurora, USA
Bryan O’Halloran Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Saint Joseph’s University, PA, Philadelphia, USA
Chad E. Cook Duke Clinical Research Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1186/s40945-023-00168-3

Keywords:

Manual therapy research, Mechanisms of manual therapy, Physiotherapy

Abstract

Background Mechanisms reflect the steps or processes through which an intervention unfolds and produces change in a specified outcome variable. Mechanisms are responsible for determining “how treatments work” which has emerged as a critical question for both developing theory and enhancing treatment efficacy. Studies that evaluate “how” treatments work, not just “if” treatments work are of considerable importance. Discussion Specific and shared mechanisms research is a promising approach which aims to improve patient outcomes by tailoring treatments to the specific needs of each patient. Mechanisms research is an underexplored area of research requiring a unique research design. Conclusion Although mechanisms research is still in its infancy, prioritizing the study of the mechanisms behind manual therapy interventions can provide valuable insight into optimizing patient outcomes.