No studies have investigated the effects of a supine thoracic spine manipulation (TSM) on neurodynamic mobility, as compared to a sham intervention. This study aims to determine the immediate effects of TSM on the Upper Limb Provocation Test (ULPT) and Seated Slump Test (SST) compared to a sham intervention in asymptomatic subjects with neurodynamic limitations.
A convenience sample will be utilized to obtain subjects. Subjects will be given a brief questionnaire to identify possible contraindications for spinal treatment techniques and exclude individuals if necessary. Subjects will be randomized into one of two groups (spinal manual therapy or spinal range of motion which will serve as the name for the placebo group) and participate in neurodynamic testing procedures of the upper extremity (Upper Limb Provocation Testing) as well as lower extremity (Seated Slump Test). Subjects who are determined to be positive for one or more limbs will receive either a thoracic spine manipulation technique (spinal manual therapy) or a thoracic spine sham manipulation technique (spinal range of motion/placebo). After application of the technique, previously positive limbs will be retested. In attempt to determine validity and believability of the sham procedure and perception of its effect, subjects will be asked if they believe their upper/lower quarter mobility will change based on the group name and after the technique is applied. Subjects will also be asked if they believed they were in the treatment or placebo group.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
43
Shenandoah University
Winchester, Virginia, United States
Upper Limb Provocation Test Range of Motion Change (measured in degrees of elbow extension)
Subjects will lie on their back with their shoulder slightly off the edge of a treatment table. The investigator will then bend the subjects neck away from the shoulder being tested and position the arm into the starting test position. The investigator will then straighten the subjects elbow until it is fully extended, or until the subject reports discomfort or an abnormal feeling in their arm. This procedure will be completed before and immediately after either the treatment intervention (manipulation) or the sham intervention is completed.
Time frame: Pre and Immediately Post Intervention
Seated Slump Test Range of Motion Change (measured in degrees of knee extension)
Subjects will sit at the edge of treatment table. Subjects will be asked to flex then neck towards their chest. The investigator will then apply a gentle force to their upper back and will ask the subject to remain in this position. The investigator will move the subjects foot upwards and straighten their leg until it is fully extended or until the subject reports discomfort or an abnormal feeling in their leg.This procedure will be completed before and immediately after either the treatment intervention (manipulation) or the sham intervention is completed.
Time frame: Pre and Immediately Post Intervention
Believability of Sham - measured via questionnaire
Subjects will be asked whether they believe they were in the active treatment group or the sham/placebo group after final measurements are taken.
Time frame: Immediately Post Intervention (after final measurements are read and recorded)
Perceived effect - measured via questionnaire
Subjects will be asked whether they believe their upper and/or lower quarter mobility will change based on the group name they are assigned.
Time frame: Pre Intervention (immediately after initial measurements are recorded and prior to intervention)
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