Effects of Multiple Impulse Spinal Manipulation on Sheep Spines
Author Information
Author(s): Tony S Keller, Christopher J Colloca, Robert J Moore, Robert Gunzburg, Deed E Harrison
Primary Institution: Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science, Adelaide, South Australia
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine the multi-axial segmental and intersegmental motion responses of ovine lumbar vertebrae to single impulse and multiple impulse spinal manipulative thrusts.
Conclusion
Impulse-type adjusting instruments that deliver multiple impulse SMTs significantly increase multi-axial spinal motion.
Supporting Evidence
- Segmental and intersegmental acceleration responses increased with multiple impulses.
- Accelerations were greatest for axial and posteroanterior measurement axes.
- Increases in segmental motion responses were greatest for the low force setting.
Takeaway
When chiropractors use special tools to push on sheep's spines multiple times quickly, the sheep's spines move more than when pushed just once.
Methodology
Fifteen adolescent Merino sheep were used, with accelerometers attached to their lumbar vertebrae to measure motion responses during single and multiple impulse spinal manipulative thrusts.
Potential Biases
The presence of a majority shareholder in the manufacturer of the adjusting instrument may introduce bias.
Limitations
The study used an animal model, which may not fully represent human spinal responses, and testing was performed on anesthetized sheep, potentially affecting muscle tone.
Participant Demographics
Fifteen adolescent Merino sheep, mean weight 47.7 kg.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.005
Statistical Significance
p<0.005
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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