The acute effects of spinal manipulation on neuromuscular function in asymptomatic individuals: A preliminary study

• We examined the acute effects of spinal manipulation as compared to a sham intervention and stretching.
• We examined acute changes in neuromuscular function and flexibility in asymptomatic individuals.
• Spinal Manipulation was not superior to other treatments.
• Temporal effects could be visible in neuromuscular activity and flexibility (albeit similar to other treatments).

ObjectivesTo analyse the acute effects of spinal manipulation on neuromuscular function in asymptomatic individuals.DesignRandomised controlled, cross-over trial.SettingsSpinal manipulation (SM) is used as therapeutic modality for various neuromuscular disorders and also in sport with asymptomatic individuals to improve range of motion and/or facilitate motor control. Experimental evidence of its effectiveness is lacking.Participants27 asymptomatic participants (15 males and 12 females) [age (mean ± standard deviation) 24 ± 3 years] were exposed to three separate treatments in random order: 1) Spinal Manipulation of the lumbar spine (MAN); 2) Stretching of the Lumbar spine (STR); 3) sham manipulation (SHA).Main outcome measuresBefore (PRE), after (POST) and 15 min after (15_MIN) each treatment, the participants were asked to perform three tasks always in the same order: 1) force fluctuation task; 2) Modified Sörensen’s test; 3) sit and reach. Surface EMG was recorded from Gastrocnemius medialis and Erector Spinae muscles using linear arrays during task 1 and 2.ResultsMAN was not shown to determine improvements superior to other treatments in the control of force output and sEMG parameters.ConclusionsStudies with larger populations are needed in order to ascertain the effectiveness of SM on neuromuscular function.