The immediate effect of manipulation of selected cervical spinal segments on the peak torque of the rotator cuff muscles in asymptomatic patients with and without a mechanical cervical spine dysfunction

Abstract

Although studies of manipulation-induced peripheral changes in the muscles have been done, inconsistencies noted by the author’s call for further investigation into the reflex effects of manipulation. Additionally, according to the literature, no effective treatment protocol for the painful shoulder has been found. Therefore this research aimed at addressing these discrepancies by quantifying the immediate effect of cervical spine manipulation in terms of peak torque on rotator cuff musculature in asymptomatic patients with both a cervical spine dysfunction and without. And thus by investigating cervical manipulation to the C4-C7 spinal segment, as a possible added intervention for improving rotator cuff muscle peak torque, a more efficient and effective management protocol for the painful shoulder could be attained.

Thus the aims for this study included: 1) To evaluate whether manipulation has an effect on rotator cuff peak torque or not, utilizing the Cybex Orthotron II Isokinetic Rehabilitation System; 2) To ascertain whether manipulation of the specific levels has an effect on the rotator cuff peak torque or not and 3) To ascertain whether the presence or absence