The effects of cervical spine adjustments on sensorimotor synchronisation
- Authors: Blumberg, Daniel Seth
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Cervical spine adjustments , Sensorimotor synchronisation , Synchronisation
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/17388 , uj:15881
- Description: Abstract: This study aimed to determine the effects of cervical spine adjustments on sensorimotor synchronisation. Methods: This was an unblinded, controlled experimental study using a pre-post test design, which included thirty participants who were randomly divided into two groups of fifteen. All thirty participants performed a series of finger tapping tasks, which was used as measurements for objective data. Group One had five consultations over approximately 14 days: During their first and fifth visit, participants performed a series of finger tapping tasks and then received chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy to restricted cervical spine segments (as determined by the researcher). After their treatment, participants repeated the tapping tasks. During their second, third and forth visits, participants in Group One only received treatment and no tapping tasks were done during these consultations. Group Two only had two consultations, which were approximately 14 days apart. During these consultations, participants performed the tapping tasks, took a five-minute break and repeated them. Tapping tasks were recorded on an iOS application called TapIt. The time signatures that were recorded were imported into a spreadsheet where the means and standard deviations of asynchronies and intertap intervals were calculated. Results: The results showed that there were statistically significant changes in the accuracy and variability of finger tapping tasks in both groups. In the immediate effects, both Group One and Two showed larger negative mean asynchronies with only participants in Group One showing an increase in variability of asynchronies. Only Group Two showed statistically significant changes in intertap intervals. In the longterm effects, Group One showed a statistically significant decrease in negative mean asynchronies indicating an improvement in accuracy of taps. Both groups showed statistically significant decreases in variability of asynchronies, with Group One showing a slightly larger reduction thereof. Conclusion: Participants that received treatment intervention demonstrated larger negative mean asynchronies immediately following chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy. This may have been due to altered neural processing of incoming sensory information and/or altered sensorimotor integration, which resulted in faster execution of motor movements involved in finger tapping tasks. The treatment group also demonstrated a reduction in negative mean asynchronies after several treatments. Both groups showed reductions in variability of asynchronies over time. However, the treatment group showed slightly larger reductions in variability after several treatments compared to participants who did not receive any treatment intervention. , M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
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The experiences of pregnant chiropractors in South Africa
- Authors: Anley, Kirsten
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Chiropractors , Pregnant chiropractors , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Masters (Thesis)
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10210/17340 , uj:15874
- Description: M.Tech. (Chiropractic) , Abstract: The practice of Chiropractic is undoubtedly a physically demanding profession, more so for female practitioners due to their smaller stature and strength in comparison to their male colleagues. The physical effects of pregnancy on practitioners is another factor to consider, as well as the implications on how the existing practice may or may not change during the course of the pregnancy. To date, there is no research on the effect pregnancy has on practising Chiropractors in South Africa. This makes it very difficult for pregnant Chiropractors, who themselves are undergoing immense physical and emotional changes. This lack of knowledge makes it difficult for pregnant Chiropractors to navigate their changing bodies and predict the impact this may have on their unique profession let alone additional factors such as financial implications due to pregnancy, structure of maternity leave, predict possible changes in treatment approach and thereby adapt practise accordingly and even prevent personal injury. Furthermore, this study was aimed to formulate a set of guidelines in order to provide as much advice and insight to expectant Chiropractors. The purpose of the guidelines would ensure their experience as being pregnant while in practice was as advantageous, positive and beneficial as possible. The study may also be used to open the door to future research. Method: A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive as well as contextual research design was used for the research. The study itself took place in two stages. In phase one, the researcher conducted a pilot interview and the data was self-analysed in order to gain experience and rectify the shortfalls which surfaced during the interviewing technique. Phase two began with the remaining phenomenological interviews whereby the participants were asked to discuss their experience of being pregnant while in practice. Interviews were conducted until data saturation, which was determined by the independent coder, was obtained. Data saturation was achieved after eight interviews. Data saturation was reached when common themes started emerging from the data which was collected. The data was analysed by means of open coding and identifying themes and categories. Participants were purposely selected given that they were qualified Chiropractors who had been pregnant to term while practicing full time.
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