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Cavitation sounds during spinal manipulative treatments
W Herzog1, Y T Zhang, P J Conway
1Faculty of Physical Education, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics
|October 1, 1993
Summary
This study confirms that accelerometry can measure cavitation during spinal manipulative therapy (SMT). Practitioner perception of cavitation during SMT was found to be highly accurate.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Musculoskeletal Manipulation
- Medical Instrumentation
Background:
- Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is a common treatment for spinal pain.
- The audible "cavitation" or "pop" during SMT is thought to be a key therapeutic event.
- Objective measurement of SMT-induced cavitation has been limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To objectively measure cavitation during SMT using accelerometry.
- To compare objective measurements with the practitioner's perception of cavitation.
- To validate the practitioner's clinical judgment in a controlled setting.
Main Methods:
- An experimental study involving 28 patients with thoracic spine pain.
- Spinal manipulative treatment (SMT) applied to the T4 transverse process.
- Accelerometer placed on the T3 spinous process to record acceleration signals.
- Practitioner recorded their perception of cavitation after each treatment.
Main Results:
- Acceleration signals consistent with cavitation were detected during SMT.
- The practitioner's perception of cavitation occurrence correlated strongly with objective measurements.
- High accuracy was observed between the practitioner's clinical assessment and accelerometer data.
Conclusions:
- Accelerometry is a viable method for measuring cavitation during SMT.
- Practitioner perception of cavitation during SMT is a reliable indicator.
- Objective measurement can support clinical assessment in spinal manipulation.