title: Effect of cervical spine position on upper limb myoelectric activity during pre-manipulative stretch for Mills manipulation: a new model, relations to peripheral nerve biomechanics and specificity of Mills manipulation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  (A) Describe a new method of investigation of the possible muscular effects of the commonly practiced Mills manipulation for lateral elbow pain (epicondylalgia), (B) ascertain if myoelectric activity is influenced during the pre-manipulative stretch for Mills manipulation, (C) establish whether muscle responses are influenced by ipsilateral lateral flexion of the cervical spine which reduces mechanical tension in the peripheral nerves of the upper limb.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eight asymptomatic subjects were tested bilaterally (N=16).
  
  
  METHODS
  Myoelectric measurements - EMG signals were recorded with a 16 channel pocket EMG patient unit and processed off-line. Measurement of joint positions-three CCD adjustable cameras sensitive to 10mm reflective passive markers applied at specific locations on the subjects' bodies were used to reconstruct and verify accuracy of body movements and were correlated with EMG recordings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Compared with the standard (anatomical) position of the cervical spine in which Mills manipulation is typically performed, cervical spine ipsilateral lateral flexion produced significantly reduced activity in muscles that restrain the manipulation movement (elbow extension), namely biceps brachii (P=0.018) and brachioradialis (P=0.000). The affected muscles may therefore produce protective effects during the manipulation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Changes in myoelectric activity were in a pattern that suggests that muscle and neural mechanisms may be an integral part of the Mills manipulation. Cervical spine ipsilateral lateral flexion may be used to reduce mechanical stresses in the peripheral nerves and extraneous muscle activity, making Mills' manipulation potentially safer and more specific.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland. marinko.rade@kuh.fi
authors.forename: Marinko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Rade
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shacklock
authors.forename: Stanislav
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Peharec
authors.forename: Petar
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bačić
authors.forename: Corrado
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Candian
authors.forename: Markku
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kankaanpää
authors.forename: Olavi
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Airaksinen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000502:physiology*; D004576:Electromyography / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008954:Models, Biological; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D018482:Muscle, Skeletal / Q000294:innervation / Q000502:physiology*; D026201:Musculoskeletal Manipulations / Q000379:methods*; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D009469:Neuromuscular Junction / Q000502:physiology*; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000502:physiology*; D011187:Posture / Q000502:physiology*