Abstract
M.Tech.
This study was conducted in order to determine if Chiropractic Spinal Manipulative Therapy (SMT) to the lumbar spine and Sacroiliac joints can accelerate the recovery process of the Hamstring and Quadriceps femoris muscle and thus enabling the athlete to sustain endurance levels for a longer period of time.
Participants used were recruited from the cycling community by means of word of mouth. Thirty participants that matched the inclusion criteria were included in the study. The participants were then randomly divided into two groups, a Test Group and a Control Group, of fifteen participants each.
Motion and static palpation was used to detect spinal restrictions. The Test Group received Chiropractic SMT to the restricted lumbar vertebral segments and the Sacroiliac joints after the first test was completed. The participants then underwent a 30 minute recovery period after which they were re-tested. The Control Group received no treatment after the first test, but still had a 30 minute recovery period after which they were re-tested.
Objective measurements were taken by making use of Cybex Isokinetic Dynamometer. The objective measurement indicated that there was an increase in muscle endurance of the Quadriceps femoris and Hamstring muscle groups for both the test and the Control Group.
When the increase in Hamstring and Quadriceps femoris muscle endurance was compared between the Test and Control Group, it was the Control Group that showed a more significant increase in Quadriceps femoris muscle endurance which was greater than the increase of the Quadriceps femoris muscle endurance in the Test Group. The Control Group also showed a greater increase mean endurance of the Quadriceps femoris and Hamstring muscle.
In conclusion to the study, muscle endurance in cyclists can be increased by rest alone and does not require Chiropractic SMT to restricted spinal segments.