Force-time profile characterization of the McTimoney toggle-torque-recoil technique.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to characterize the force-time profile of the McTimoney toggle-torque-recoil (MTTR) technique.


METHODS
Two licensed chiropractors trained in the McTimoney Method applied MTTR thrusts to a tabletop where a dynamic load cell had been mounted. Each clinician applied 10 thrusts (5 with each hand) to the load cell in a repeated measures design. Peak forces, time durations, and time to peak force were computed from each of the force-time histories. Descriptive statistics were performed to compare the forces, durations, and times to peak force of the MTTR thrusts. A Mann-Whitney U test compared variables between the 2 clinicians, whereas a Wilcoxon signed-rank test compared right- and left-handed thrusts within clinicians.


RESULTS
Considering all MTTR thrusts, the average peak force was 87.22 N (SD = 24.18 N), the average overall thrust duration was 36.38 milliseconds (SD = 9.58 milliseconds), and the average time to peak force was 12.31 milliseconds (S.D. = 4.39 milliseconds). No significant differences in mean peak force, duration, or time to peak force were observed between clinicians. When comparing intraclinician right and left hand thrusts, differences in peak force and duration were observed individually (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
For the 2 chiropractors tested, MTTR thrusts were relatively lower in peak force and appreciably faster than other commonly used chiropractic techniques. Future work aims to investigate the relationships between the force-time profiles of MTTR thrusts and resultant physiologic and clinical responses.
Colloca
Christopher J
CJ
Biomechanics Laboratory, Exercise and Sport Research Institute, Department of Kinesiology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 84226, USA. drc100@aol.com
Cunliffe
Christina
C
Pinnock
Marisa H
MH
Kim
Young-Kwan
YK
Hinrichs
Richard N
RN
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002684:Chiropractic / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D017116:Low Back Pain / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D020393:Manipulation, Spinal; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011312:Pressure; D013997:Time Factors; D019415:Torque