Article

OBJECTIVES: (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.
SAMPLE: 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.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS