title: Height changes due to autotraction.
abstract: Studies have demonstrated a diurnal change in spine height. In this study, the height of volunteers was tested prior to and following the application of autotraction. The autotraction consisted of 15 pulls of 500-600 N. Immediately thereafter, the height measurement was repeated at intervals of 15 min, 30 min, 60 min and 120 min. On a separate occasion, the subjects repeated the same protocol and postures, but did not exert any pulling forces. It was found that both autotraction and recumbency caused a height increase, but the height increase was greater in recumbency alone. The height gained was lost in 2 h.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA.
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Pope
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Klingenstierna