Pressures Generated During Spinal Manipulation and Their Association With Hand Anatomy
Received 29 November 2004
Background Context
The role of the variation in the application manipulation itself is largely unknown. A greater understanding of its input parameters is necessary to better understand spinal manipulation outcomes.
Purpose
The objective of this study is to determine if pressures generated during manipulation are altered by hand configuration.
Design/Setting
Paired comparison of 2 different variable groups.
Methods
Sixteen chiropractors provided 2 manipulations to a rigid surface using 2 hand configurations used commonly in clinical practice: arched and flat. Interposed between the hand and the rigid surface was a pressure sensor array and radiographic cassette. For each manipulation, pressures were recorded and a radiographic image was captured. Two radiologists then located the osseous features of the hand with respect to the sensor array.
Results
In 15 of 16 cases, arched configurations produced peak pressures that corresponded to the radiographic location of the pisiform bone. In flat configurations, peak pressure migrated about the location of the hamate bone. Radiologists' agreement for bone position was high (κ = 0.96). Measures of peak pressure, total pressure, and pressure distribution were statistically different between hand configurations.
Conclusions
The results of this study suggest that hand configuration influences the magnitude, location, and distribution of pressure generated by the hand during manipulation. This knowledge may have importance in understanding the relation among application parameters of manipulation, therapeutic benefit, and patient safety.
bUniversity of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G4
Submit requests for reprints to: Gregory Kawchuk, DC, PhD, Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Alberta, 2-28 Corbett Hall, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6G 2G4
Sources of support: Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Canadian Chiropractic Association and the University of Bridgeport College of Chiropractic.
ABSTRACT