Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
Volume 28, Issue 8 , Pages 591-596, October 2005

Measurement of the Pressure Applied During Motion Palpation and Reliability for Cervical Spine Rotation

  • Justin Marcotte, DC

      Affiliations

    • Professor, Département de chiropratique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada
    • Corresponding Author InformationSubmit requests for reprints to: Dr. Justin Marcotte, Département de chiropratique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, CP 500, Trois-Rivières, Québec, Canada G9A 5H7.
    • ,
  • Martin C. Normand, DC, PhD

      Affiliations

    • Professor, Département des Sciences de l'activité physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada
    • ,
  • Pierre Black, MSc

      Affiliations

    • Assistant Professor, Département des Sciences de l'activité physique, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada

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)

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 Sources of support: This study was made possible by a grant from the Fondation Chiropratique du Québec.

PII: S0161-4754(05)00225-3

doi:10.1016/j.jmpt.2005.08.003

Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
Volume 28, Issue 8 , Pages 591-596, October 2005

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