The Effects of Connective Tissue Manipulation on Balance and Proprioception

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.

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.

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.

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.