• Marcotte J

• Cervical Vertebrae
• Motion Palpation
• Neck
• Open Access Document

Scientific literature on the dynamic palpation test in chiropractic usually indicates that it is not very reliable and clinically insufficient. The frequent references to the unreliability of this test may be due to the lack of sufficient standardization in performing the test. The multiple nature of the test may be the cause: the test is actually a group of six tests peformed in six directions at each intervertebral level. The palpation pressure and the interpretive aspects of the examiner's tactile perception are other elements to be standardized. In addition, using students without a history of mechanical problems of the spine as subjects is not representative of the usual clinical clientele and could lead to a search for injuries that are too subtle. This pilot-study performed on typical patients, limits the test to the cervical region in only one direction of movement and also standardizes the other parameters of the test. This results in greater reliability between examiners than demonstrated until now. Statistical significance tables established for this type of testing have revealed reliability from moderate to very strong. In the final analysis, the author's observations clearly illustrate the significant effect of standardization of the test on results obtained outside the study.

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