Comparative effectiveness of manual therapy and band exercises combined with high-intensity walking for pain, posture, and cardiorespiratory health in older adults: a randomised clinical trial

Abstract

Musculoskeletal pain and cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders affect the growing population of older adults. Manual therapy has proven to be effective, however, research using elastic bands is still scarce. The aim of this manuscript is to compare the effects of elastic band program training versus a manual therapy protocol, both combined with high-intensity walking, on agerelated health parameters, such as pain, posture, and cardiorespiratory variables. Both protocols reduce pain. Manual therapy helps with nonspecific back pain and improves acromion-to-table posture, while elastic band treatment enhances trapezius pressure threshold and upper thoracic expansion. Neither improved lower thoracic mobility or respiratory variables.