The Effects of Connective Tissue Manipulation on Balance and Proprioception

Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa40 enrolled

Overview

There are various exercises and manual techniques to improve balance and proprioception. Most of these manual therapy techniques are mobilization, manipulation, post-isometric relaxation, myofascial relaxation and traction massage. At the same time, it has been observed that many parameters such as range of motion, tissue tension, wound healing process and pain perception were examined in the studies in the literature, but the effects of CTM on balance and proprioception have not been investigated. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of CTM on balance and proprioception among healthy individuals. 40 volunteers studying in Bahcesehir University were divided into 1) exercise and 2) study (CTM with exercise) groups equally. Both exercise and study groups were instructed to perform home exercises for 2 sessions in a week for 6 weeks (12 sessions in total). Additionally, CTM was applied to the volunteers in study group for 6 weeks, 2 sessions in a week. CTM applied to the lower and the upper back, and also neck. Balance, cervical and lumbar proprioception was measured to understand the effectiveness of the CTM. Biodex Balance System was used for evaluation of static and dynamic balance. The cervical proprioception was measured by using a cervical range of motion (CROM) device while lumbar proprioception was measured by StabilizerTM Pressure Biofeedback Unit. Additionally, heart rate and blood pressure were measured by M3 Comfort Digital blood Pressure Monitor. All measurements applied at the beginnig and end of the study.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Healthy

Interventions

Connective Tissue ManipulationOTHER

Connective tissue manipulation is a soft tissue manipulative technique and also a reflex therapy which is characterized by localised and specific strokes performed in where the fascia is superficial or palpable. A shear force is created between the skin-underlying fascia or dermis-hypodermis and angulatory force is applied to the collagen fibers to produce reflex and mechanical effects.

ExerciseOTHER

The purpose of the given home exercises is to increase motor ability in activities such as standing, walking and posture, to increase muscle strength and also to elongate muscles. Exercises progressed day by day according to the adaptation of the motor system and muscle strength to the exercises.

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Biodex Balance System (BBS)

The BBS, which consists of a monitor connected multi-axis platform, objectively measures static and dynamic balance and records measurement results as degrees for three directions: medial lateral stability index, anterior-posterior stability index, and overall stability index. These indices show the fluctuations around the zero point. The mobility of the platform can be adjusted allowing the static and dynamic balance to be measured. Postural Stability Protocol has been selected from 5 test protocols of BBS. In this protocol, the aim is to try to match the ball seen on the screen to the midpoint of the ring shaped screen by transferring the weight on the platform. Firstly, static platform were used and volunteers stand on both foot, then on right and left foot. Then, the same measurements were repeated on dynamic platform which is level 4 out of 8. Each measurement was tested in 3 repetitions. Mean of these repetitions were noted as the score of that measurement.

Time frame: 10 minutes

Secondary Outcomes

Cervical Range of Motion Tester (C-ROM)

It is glasses-shaped measurement device which indicate the position of the head and consist of two inclinometers which are in sagittal and frontal planes. To assess cervical proprioception, flexion and right and left lateral flexion were chosen. When they put on the CROM, we asked them to bend the head forward and we stopped them when they reached 30 degrees and asked them to feel the amount of movement and muscle tension. We repeated the procedure 3 times with eyes open and 3 times with eyes closed. Then we asked the volunteers to flex their heads three times and stop when they thought they reached 30 degrees. Average of each flexion degrees that they stopped was noted and the deviation from the target angle was calculated as score. Then the same procedure was repeated for right and left lateral flexion.

Time frame: 10 minutes

Stabilizer Pressure Biofeedback Unit (SPBU)

SPBU consists of three-chamber pressure cell connected to gauge and inflation bulb. It is used for the strengthening of the abdominal and erector muscles or teaching the stabilization exercises. In our study, it was used for to measure the ability of the person to return to the pressure level which is taught before. Volunteers were in hook-lying position. They were asked to perform posterior pelvic tilt and the pressure cell was inflated to 40 mmHg. Then, they were asked to relax. Later, the posterior pelvic tilt was performed 3 times with the eyes open and 3 times with the eyes closed so that the volunteers could feel the amount of contraction in the muscles at 40mmHg. Then the test began. As in the trials, the volunteers perform posterior pelvic tilt with eyes open and eyes closed (3 times each) and said "I feel this is 40mmHg" when they thought they reached 40mmHg. The deviation from the target pressure was calculated and averages of 3 measurements were recorded as score.

Time frame: 5 minutes

M3 Comfort Digital Blood Pressure Monitor

It is used to measure heart rate and blood pressure. The cuff was placed on the arm in relation to brachial artery. Volunteers were informed about avoiding exercise and not eating or drinking half an hour before blood pressure measurement. It was noted that the clothing was not squeezing the arm. The volunteers were positioned on a chair with back support, both feet on the floor and the upper arm supported at the level of the heart and were asked not to contract any muscle of upper arm.

Time frame: 2 minutes