The effect of lumbar-pelvic spinal manipulative therapy on power output in rowers

M.Tech. (Chiropractic)Abstract: Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of lumbar-pelvic spinal manipulative therapy on power output in rowers. Method: Thirty participants, both males and females, between the ages of 18 and 45 years, were separated into two groups of fifteen. Both groups had an equal ratio of eight males and seven females. Group one received spinal manipulative therapy to the lumbar-pelvic region where motion restrictions were located. Group one received three treatments per week for two weeks. Group two did not receive any treatment for the duration of the research study. Both Groups one and two underwent the same data capturing at the first, fourth and seventh consultation. Data capturing consisted of a range of motion assessment while the participant was seated on the ergometer and holding on the handle bar. Flexion and extension of the lumbar-pelvic region were both measured with full extension of the knees. Following range of motion assessment, the average watts was measured by each participant completing a 1000 meter ergometer trial, maintaining the stroke rate between 22 and 24 strokes per minute. Results: The study revealed no statistical significance with intergroup analysis for both the digital inclinometer and ergometer. Intragroup group analysis of Group one revealed a statistically significant increase in power output between the first and fourth consult and between the fourth and seventh consultation. Intragroup analysis of the range of motion data for Group one as well as range of motion and ergometer data for Group two revealed no statistical significance. An overall clinical analysis for the two groups revealed that Group one, the group receiving spinal manipulative therapy, made a drastic improvement in both the range of motion and power output. Group two remained at a relatively plateau level for both range of motion and power output. Conclusion: Although the study revealed no statistical significance when comparing the groups to one another, there was a significant improvement in the power output of Group one, the group that received spinal manipulative therapy. Group one increased in flexion, extension as well as average power output. Group two had a minimal decrease in flexion and extension and a minimal increase in power output. In order to make a definitive conclusion on the effect of spinal manipulative therapy on power output, further research is needed