The goal of this program is to present a review of clinical prediction rules for selecting optimal interventions for patients with low-back disorders. Following the completion of this manuscript, the reader will be able to do the following:

1. Recognize methodological standards for establishing clinical prediction rules.
2. Recall the clinical prediction rules used to select patients who are most likely to benefit from lumbar stabilization and manipulation.
3. Recognize variables that may indicate a poor outcome from lumbar stabilization and manipulation.

Approval Information

Gannett Healthcare Group is approved as a provider of continuing education by the North Carolina Physical Therapy Association (provider no. 09-0215-001PR) from March 8, 2009 through March 8, 2010. Gannett Healthcare Group is also an approved sponsor by the New York State Education Department of continuing education for physical therapists and physical therapist assistants from October 21, 2009 to October 21, 2012.

This activity is provided by the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners Accredited Provider #GED012010TPTA2012004 and meets continuing competence requirements for physical therapist and physical therapist assistant licensure renewal in Texas for the period of 1/1/2010 through 12/31/2012. The assignment of Texas PT CCUs does not imply endorsement of specific course content, products, or clinical procedures by TPTA or TBPTE.

This course has been approved as meeting the continuing education requirements for PTs and PTAs by the Ohio Physical Therapy Association (approval no. 08S0498, expiration date 6/9/09; approval no. 09S1303 for 6/9/09 to 6/9/10), the Florida Physical Therapy Association (approval no. CE80612361, expiration date 12/31/08; approval no. CE90014292 for 1/1/09 to 12/31/09; approval no. CE100014341 for 1/1/10 to 12/31/10), the Texas Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (approval no. 43446A, expiration date 6/9/09; approval no. 46528A for 11/13/09 to 11/12/10), the Illinois Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (approval no. 359-2444, expiration date 6/1/09; approval no. 437.3059 for 10/1/09 to 10/1/10), and the New Jersey Board of Physical Therapy Examiners (approval no. 152-2008, expiration date 1/31/10; approval no. 961-2009, expiration date 1/31/12). Approval of this course does not necessarily imply the Florida Physical Therapy Association supports the views of the presenter or the sponsors.

Other states may accept this course for meeting their CE requirements. Check with your state association or board.