Table 1 Inclusion criteria with rationales

Types of participants

Studies on adults at the age of 18 and above.

Focusing on adults ensures the results are relevant to the age group most affected by LBP, eliminating variables related to spinal growth or maturation in younger individuals.

Concept

Studies that examined the application of MRE on the lumbar region, regardless of patient condition and scanner type.

This ensures the application of MRE in the lumbar region, regardless of patient condition or scanner type.

Context

Studies conducted in any setting.

Inclusion of various settings provide a holistic review of MRE’s use, irrespective of whether studies were in clinical, laboratory, or field environments.

Types of studies

Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods studies of any design or methodology. The scoping review also considered any type of reviews. All languages were considered.

By encompassing diverse study types, the review ensures representation of all relevant perspectives and methodologies.

Types of outcomes

All types of outcomes, e.g. patient or technical, related to MR Elastography

This captures all relevant findings, providing a broader view of MRE’s use, applicability and limitations in the lumbar region.