Abstract
M.Tech.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether adjustment of
the cervico-thoracic motion segment in individuals with altered or decreased
motion at that segment, in conjunction with a strengthening protocol, had a
greater increase in triceps brachii muscle strength compared to a
strengthening protocol or chiropractic adjustment alone. By reducing the
negative neural and other effects caused by aberrant movement between
vertebra, chiropractic adjustment could allow the body’s muscle physiology to
function at its best, thereby allowing it to adapt to changes more readily.
DESIGN: Thirty subjects participated in this study. The subjects were
randomly and without being aware of it, assigned to one of three groups. The
only requirement for inclusion in the research was a restriction of the seventh
cervical vertebra based on motion and static palpation. Patients in two of the
groups were asked to perform tricep brachii muscle strengthening exercises
and patients from two of the groups received chiropractic adjustment to the
cervico-thoracic motion segment. Patients were seen a total of three times
over a period of two weeks.
MEASUREMENTS: Triceps brachii muscle strength testing was performed
using an isometric dynamometer. Three pre-treatment readings and three
post-treatment readings were performed, with one-minute intervals, on all the
subjects. This was done to determine if there was a change before or after
treatment and if there was a long-term effect.
CONCLUSION: Although measurements were taken on each visit before and
after each treatment, there was only a statistically significant difference in
triceps brachii muscle strength between the experimental and the other two
groups before treatment on the third visit. This does however; suggest that
there was a favourable result and that a combination of treatments does
indeed produce better results than one of the other treatments alone.