Table 7. Results of the content analysis.

MDT, mechanical diagnosis and therapy; RCTs, randomized controlled trials

Research priority
1	Studies regarding MDT classifications for extremity musculoskeletal conditions in general
2	Studies regarding extremity problems in general
3	Studies regarding the cervical and thoracic spine in general
4	Studies regarding MDT classification of dysfunction syndrome in extremity problems (e.g., prevalence and long-term outcomes)
5	Studies regarding centralization of the cervical and thoracic spine
6	Studies regarding patient satisfaction depending on the practitioner’s MDT level
7	Studies regarding potential pathophysiologies where the symptoms of the extremities are decreased with loading strategies on the spine
8	Studies regarding effective patient education
9	Studies regarding the effect of repetitive loading to the spine on neuropathic pain
10	Studies regarding the effect of MDT on nociplastic pain
11	Qualitative research on how therapists perceive their role
12	Studies regarding the role of centralization and directional preferences as treatment effect modifiers, including studies on sub-groups in non-centralizer with directional preference classifications and its optimal management
13	Studies regarding the clinical reasoning skills of MDT therapists at different stages of MDT education
14	Studies regarding the role of the level of MDT education in terms of reliability between therapists
15	Development of criteria for discharge from MDT management
16	Studies regarding the cost-effectiveness of MDT
17	Studies regarding RCTs that include the MDT classification among the inclusion criteria
18	Studies regarding the underlying mechanisms of centralization and derangement
19	Research on the correlations of centralizer/non-centralizer with directional preference to functional changes
20	Case studies leading to new areas of research and clinical applications of MDT
21	Studies regarding behavioral changes among therapists before and after MDT education
22	Studies regarding the predictive ability of MDT classification for postoperative pain relief
23	Studies regarding behavior modification of patients by MDT
24	Studies regarding the benefits of including MDT training in undergraduate education
25	Cohort studies comparing initial responders and non-responders
26	Studies regarding the superiority of MDT over other management systems in preventing recurrence
27	Studies regarding predictive factors to prevent recurrence after discharge from MDT
28	Studies regarding the appropriate load for dysfunction syndrome
29	Studies regarding patient values for self-management and passive treatment (qualitative study)
30	Identifying effective interventions during the recovery of function
31	Studies regarding valid and reliable evaluation methods for the recovery of function
32	Studies regarding the significance of a mechanical approach to a chronic pain state
33	Studies regarding the application of MDT to telerehabilitation
34	Studies regarding the effect of MDT on presenteeism