Normal sensory and range of motion (ROM) responses during Thoracic Slump Test (ST) in asymptomatic subjects

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to determine the normal sensory and range of motion (ROM) responses during the movement components of Thoracic Slump Test (Thoracic ST) in asymptomatic subjects. Sixty asymptomatic subjects were included in the study. Thoracic ST was performed in two sequences, proximal initiation, which was proximal to distal and distal initiation, which was distal to proximal. Subjects were randomized into four groups depending on the order of sequences and sides. Outcome measures of sensory responses (intensity, type, and location) and ROM responses were recorded after each sequence. Friedman's test was done to compare between sensory responses of the subjects. Between-component comparison for prevalence of sensory responses within each sequence was done using Kruskal-Wallis test and Wilcoxonsigned ranks test was used for between-component comparisons of intensity of symptoms within each sequence of testing. Independent t test was used to assess the ROM responses. Results show the prevalence of sensory responses, its nature, area and intensity. These sensory and ROM responses may be considered as normal response of Thoracic ST. The intensity of the symptoms of proximal initiation sequence (1.09±1.35 cm) was significant (P<0.05) when compared to distal initiation sequence (0.08±1.26 cm). The change in the ROM was significant (P<0.05) for distal initiation (7.55±4.51 degrees) when compared to proximal initiation (4.96±3.76 degrees). These normal responses may be used as a reference when using the Thoracic ST as an assessment technique.

Keywords: Mobilization; Neurodynamics; Normal response; Spine; Thoracic Sympathetic slump.

Figures

Figure 1

Starting position of the participant for Proximal initiation (left side). (A) Costovertebral mobilization; (B) Measurement of ankle dorsiflexion with cervical spine in flexion; (C) Measurement of ankle dorsiflexion with cervical spine in extension.

Figure 2

(A) Starting position of the participant for Distal Initiation (left side); (B) CROM measurement of cervical spine flexion in initial position; (C) CROM measurement of cervical spine flexion in final position; (D) CROM measurement of cervical spine flexion with ankle in plantar flexion.

Figure 3

Flow of the participants through the study.

Figure 4

Area of sensory responses for the individual components of (A) Proximal initiation (CF, cervical flexion; S, slouching; TLF, thoracic lateral flexion; TR, thoracic rotation; AD, ankle dorsiflexion; CVM, costovertebral mobilization; CE, cervical extension) and (B) Distal initiation (S, slouching; TLF, thoracic lateral flexion; TR, thoracic rotation; CF, cervical flexion; CVM, costovertebral mobilization; AP, ankle plantar flexion).