Abstract
M.Tech.
Soccer is the most widely played sport in the world and, of all the skills required to participate, the instep soccer kick is considered to be the primary offensive action within the game of soccer.
Biomechanical analysis of the instep soccer kick has revealed that the action of kicking is
characterised by a proximal to distal series of multi-articular movements with distal segmental movements being predetermined by more proximal ones (Kellis and Katis, 2007). According to
Smith, Gilleard, Hammond and Brooks (2006), the lower spine and pelvis play a pivotal role in determining the placement and actions of distal segmental motion during the action of the instep
soccer kick.
The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of chiropractic adjustments in soccer
players with lumbar facet and sacroiliac joint dysfunctions by assessing the resultant speed of a
soccer ball once kicked with an instep soccer kick. By correcting the lumbar facet and sacroiliac
joint dysfunction of the affected soccer players, it was postulated that with restoration of joint
motion and reduction of pain, the speed of the soccer ball, when kicked, would improve. When
kicked the resultant ball speed is indicative of biomechanical kicking success.
Thirty male professional soccer players from the Jomo Cosmos football establishment who met the
study’s selection criteria were selected and randomly divided into one of two groups. The study
group received chiropractic adjustments of dysfunctional lumbar facets and sacroiliac joints and the
control group received a placebo treatment in form of a de-tuned stationary ultra-sound head over
the effected facets joints for five minutes. Treatment for both groups occurred over a two week
period with treatment being administered twice a week, totalling of four treatments per participant.
Data capture was collected 3 times over the 2-week period; 1st reading done before the 1st
treatment, the 2nd reading before the 3rd treatment and the final reading taken after the 4th and final
treatment. Data capture consisted of both subjective and objective readings. The subjective data
consisted of the measurements of pain experienced by the participants in the form of a Numerical
Pain Rating Scale. Objective data involved the measurement of ball speed once kicked, with the
use of a radar speed gun as well as lumbar spine range of motion measurements by means of a
Digital Inclinometer.
In executing the group comparisons, it was found that both groups would present with contrasting
results. The group undergoing the chiropractic adjustments would show an improvement in their
ball speed, reduction in their overall pain and increased lumbar spine extension and rotation ROM;
where as the group undergoing the placebo treatment experienced a decrease in their ball speed,
an increase in their overall pain and decreased lumbar spine ROM.
The results obtained from the study demonstrated that the majority of the data was not statistically
significant in either of the groups however, from a clinical perspective there was a definite effect on
the lumbar spine range of motion, ball speed and pain reduction as a result of the Chiropractic
adjustments that would warrant further investigation. There is a definite link with the negative
effects that lumbar facet and sacroiliac joint dysfunctions have on the proximal to distal sequence
of events that take place during the instep soccer kick. Therefore, treating the lumbar facet and
sacroiliac joint dysfunction with chiropractic adjustments allows for better transfer of energy
between segments and for greater resultant ball speed.
In conclusion, the study demonstrated that chiropractic adjustment of lumbar facet and Sacroiliac
joint dysfunctions showed good improvement in the resultant ball speed, reduction in lower back
pain and improved lumbar spine extension and rotation ROM. From these results, it would be
prudent to incorporate more chiropractic treatment into mainstream soccer and encourage further
research into the advantages that chiropractic treatment has in better understanding the
biomechanics involved in the instep soccer kick.