The influence of a chiropractic manipulation on lumbar kinematics and electromyography during simple and complex tasks: a case study.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether a more sophisticated and detailed analysis of both simple and complex tasks may yield more information regarding the short-term influence of an adjustment on spine biomechanics.


METHODS
The study used a single-subject, before-after design. Three-dimensional spine kinematics and trunk muscle electromyography were assessed during a variety of tasks performed by a professional golfer exhibiting non-specific, chronic, low back pain. The patient received a right-to-left and left-to-right spinous pull adjustment.


RESULTS
After the adjustment, changes were seen in all 3 axes of motion during a golf swing, with concomitant muscle responses. In addition, changes in the off axes of motion were seen during simple movement tasks.


CONCLUSIONS
A more detailed spine kinematic analysis, specifically analysis of motion in the nonprincipled axes, yielded more information regarding the short-term influence of an adjustment on lumbar spine motion and muscle function.
Lehman
G J
GJ
UW-CMCC Research Clinic, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, University of Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
McGill
S M
SM
D000328:Adult; D002684:Chiropractic / Q000379:methods*; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D008159:Lumbar Vertebrae / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D020393:Manipulation, Spinal / Q000379:methods*; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology