A pilot study to determine the effects of a supine sacroiliac orthopedic blocking procedure on cervical spine extensor isometric strength.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determine if an orthopedic pelvic blocking procedure affects cervical spine extensor isometric strength.


METHODS
Twenty-two participants were sequentially assigned into treatment and control groups. Treatment consisted of a 2-minute procedure using orthopedic blocks (padded wedges with a 45 degrees incline) that were placed bilaterally under the ilia as determined by leg length assessment. Isometric strength measurements took place in 2 sessions with a day of rest between. The treatment group received therapy at the second session immediate to postisometric measures.


RESULTS
Outcome measures were the pre- and posttreatment measurements of cervical isometric extension strength in pounds. The t tests showed no statistically significant difference between groups in isometric extension strength before treatment. One-way analysis of variance demonstrated a significant difference between groups after treatment (F(1,21) = 7.174, P = .014). The treatment group demonstrated an average increase of 6.35 (8.18) lb in extensor strength.


CONCLUSIONS
The current study showed a statistically significant change in cervical isometric extensor strength after sacroiliac joint blocking.
Giggey
Kristan
K
Research Faculty, Research Division, College of Chiropractic, Logan University.
Tepe
Rodger
R