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Completed

NCT Number: NCT02407418

The Effects of Spinal Manipulation on Thigh Muscle Strength

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of chiropractic low back adjustments on thigh muscle strength. Force production was measured during different types of muscle contractions with a device called an isokinetic dynamometer. The study included 21 college-aged subjects who did not have any pain and had never received chiropractic treatment with spinal manipulation. During two separate sessions, subjects' thigh muscle forces were recorded while performing maximal muscle contractions on the isokinetic dynamometer. Baseline measurements of muscle force were acquired before either treatment form of spinal manipulation or a sham spinal manipulation, followed by identical muscle force measurements within five and twenty minutes post-treatment.

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Key information

Conditions

Subluxation of Joint of Lumbar Spine

Age range

20 year–35 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

About this study

Spinal manipulation is a therapeutic procedure employed by various healthcare practitioners for alleviating acute and chronic musculoskeletal complaints. This form of treatment is also delivered to enhance the performance and augment the rehabilitation of athletes. However, despite research findings alleging the strength-modulating effects of spinal manipulation alongside numerous professional athletes' positive anecdotal claims concerning its results, the physiological processes to explain its effects remain largely unexplained. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to investigate the effects of spinal manipulation in a college-aged sample population.

This study examined the effect of spinal manipulation delivered to the lumbosacral region on concentric force production of the knee extensors and flexors. A randomized, controlled, single-blind repeated measures design was utilized with 21 subjects. Isometric and isokinetic peak torques (Nm) were recorded during two separate session while subjects performed maximal voluntary contractions post-treatment of either spinal manipulation or a sham manipulation.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Between the ages of 20 to 35 years
  • Asymptomatic with regard to low back, pelvic or lower extremity pain

Exclusion criteria

  • Previously received spinal manipulation from a chiropractor or other health care provider
  • Contraindications to lumbar spine manipulation (such as fractures, lumbar disc herniation, abdominal aortic aneurysm or cauda equina syndrome)

Treatment and study plan

Spinal Manipulation

Other

Side-posture, high-velocity low-amplitude spinal manipulation targeting the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints

Sham Manipulation

Other

A simulated lumbar spine manipulation in which no vertebral contact was made

Primary outcomes

  1. Changes in isometric and isokinetic peak torques compared to baseline

    Time frame: Baseline peak torque measurements were acquired before either treatment form of lumbosacral manipulation or sham manipulation, followed by identical peak torque measurements recorded within 5 minutes and at 20 minutes post-treatment

    Peak torque measurements were recorded in newton meters (Nm) while subjects performed maximal voluntary contractions of concentric knee extension and flexion during a randomized protocol of isometric and isokinetic contractions, all of which measured with an isokinetic dynamometer

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Grant Sanders

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effects of Lumbosacral Manipulation on Isokinetic Strength of the Knee Extensors and Flexors

Important dates

Study start
2012
Primary completion
2012
Study completion
2012
First posted
Apr 3, 2015
Registry last updated
Apr 3, 2015

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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