Measurement of the Pressure Applied During Motion Palpation and Reliability for Cervical Spine Rotation
Received 17 November 2003; received in revised form 28 January 2004
Abstract
Objective
To measure the pressure applied during motion palpation for cervical spine rotation and to verify its effect on reliability when the kinematics of the test are standardized.
Methods
The pressure of palpation used during the test of cervical spine rotation was measured by means of flexible and extra-fine pressure sensors linked to an electronic interface. Seven pressure measurements (left rotation from C1 to C7) for each of 24 examiners were taken. In addition, the examiners were asked to detect the presence of intervertebral fixation while palpating.
Results
Pressure of palpation varied from 4.0 to 41.0 N/cm2 among the examiners. Standardization of the kinematics of the test establishes a strong reliability of identifying a fixation (κ varying from 0.701 to 0.748).
Conclusions
The pressure applied during motion palpation for cervical spine rotation is light to moderate. It can vary tenfold (4-41 N/cm2) and remain reliable for identifying a fixation as long as the kinematics of the test are standardized. (J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2005;28:000-000)
aProfessor, Département de chiropratique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada
bProfessor, Département des Sciences de l'activité physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada
cAssistant Professor, Département des Sciences de l'activité physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada
Submit requests for reprints to: Dr. Justin Marcotte, Département de chiropratique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, CP 500, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada G9A 5H7.
Sources of support: This study was made possible by a grant from the Fondation Chiropratique du Québec.
ABSTRACT