Abstract
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine whether chiropractic manipulation has an immediate effect on the hitting speed of a squash ball in competitive squash players and to determine whether manipulation could be beneficial in increasing the ball speed post hit in the squash forehand drive. Method: Both male and female participants between the ages of 35 and 65 (n=100), who met the inclusion criteria of being active league squash players, were selected. The participants were split into two groups, a control group and an intervention group, each consisting of 50 participants. Procedure: Each participant, after consenting to be on this study, had a single consultation during which a patient history, physical examination and a cervical spine regional assessment were completed. Participants were given a standardised warmup which was followed by the first round of measurements for ball speed and cervical spine range of motion. Following the initial measurements, the intervention group received chiropractic manipulation via diversified techniques to any restrictions found within the cervical spine. The control group remained rested and received no treatment. A second round of measurements for ball speed and cervical spine range of motion were then taken following the intervention period for both groups. The average speed was determined for each participant and cervical range of motion difference was also noted...
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)