The effect of chiropractic adjustment of the area of nerve root supply versus the attachment site of the latissimus dorsi muscle

M.Tech.Purpose: This study aims to determine whether adjusting the area of nerve root supply, or adjusting the attachment site of the latissimus dorsi muscle, will have an effect on the latissimus dorsi muscle and to which extend, with regards to strength and electromyographic (sEMG) activity. These effects were evaluated by measuring the latissimus dorsi .muscle strength using a Jamar dynamometer as well as sEMG readings of the latissimus dorsi muscle using a Neuro Trac ETS unit. Readings were taken prior to treatment on the first, third, and fifth consultations. Method: Forty five participants who met the inclusion criteria were stratified in number and gender between three groups of equal size (15 participants each). Group 1 received lower cervical adjustments (C5 - C7), group 2 received lower thoracic and lumbar adjustments (T6 - L5) and group 3 received detuned ultrasound therapy on the latissimus dorsi muscle. Group three served as the control group. Participants were treated four times out of a total of five sessions, over a maximum three week period Procedure: Objective data was collected at the beginning of the first and third session, as well as on the fifth consultation by means of a Jamar dynamometer and a Neuro Trac ETS unit in order to assess the functionality of the latissimus dorsi muscle. Analysis of collected data was performed by a statistician. Results: Statistically significant improvement in the dynamometry readings of both the experimental groups were noted when compared to that of the control group. The results of the sEMG activity were variable. Conclusion: The results show that adjusting the area of nerve root supply as well as adjusting the attachment site of the latissimus dorsi muscle are effective treatment protocols (as demonstrated statistically) in increasing strength of the latissimus dorsi muscle. The results suggest that adjusting the attachment site of the latissimus dorsi muscle is most effective in increasing the strength of the latissimus dorsi muscle. The results of the sEMG activity were variable and there were no evidence supporting the effectiveness of adjusting the area of nerve root supply versus adjusting the attachment site ofthe latissimus dorsi muscle on sEMG activity