| Background: Although some research has shown a relationship between spinal manipulation and changes in spinal ranges of motion, in almost all cases these manipulations were performed in the same regions as those measured. There is little evidence that manipulation in one area can affect spinal range of motion in any other region. In a search of the literature no evidence was found relating pelvic manipulation to changes in spinal range of motion. Objective: To describe changes in lumbar and cervical range of motion measurements after supine pelvic blocking as used in sacro occipital technique (SOT). Supine blocking, referred to as Category II blocking, is commonly used to enhance sacroiliac stabilization and reduce pelvic distortions. Design: This is a prospective case series. Methods:This study was reviewed and approved by the institutional review board at Life University. Five subjects were recruited and selected for SOT of sacroiliac distortion and instability. Cervical and lumbar ranges of motion measured both before and after Category II blocking by a blinded assessor using a Zebris (Zebris GmbH Tuebingen, Germany) ultrasonic motion detector. Results:Significant changes were found in the lumbar spine only. Increased ranges of lumbar motion occurred in all planes except extension (21 to 57%). Discussion:Supine pelvic blocking as used in Sacro Occipital Technique had an effect on lumbar ranges of motion in these 5 cases. This may indicate that functional change in the pelvis results in changes in lumbar motion, especially lumbar flexion. Larger data sets are needed for further study. Acknowledgement: This project was funded by the Faculty Development in Research Program, and performed at the Research Center at Life University. This abstract is reproduced with the permission of the publisher. |
