Maximum respiratory pressure alterations after spinal manipulation

Abstract

Objective: To verify the immediate effect of spinal manipulation in rotation of the third cervical vertebra (C3) and the 12th thoracic vertebra (T12) in maximum inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) pressure in healthy people. Methodology: Healthy university students, sedentary, of both sexes (n = 59), were randomly divided into four groups: placebo group (PG/n = 14/21 ± 1.4 years/mobilization of ankle); cervical manipulation group (CMG/n = 15/21 ± 2.4 years); thoracic manipulation group (TMG/n = 15/21 ± 1.7 years); and cervical and thoracic manipulation group (CTMG/n = 15/21 ± 1.5 years). The MIP and MEP were measured by manometer immediately before and after intervention and the highest value was used as the value of valid tests. The data was normalized by dividing the obtained values on the lower limit of normal range predicted by gender and age for each variable. Results: There was a significant increase in intragroup comparisons of the variables in the CMG (MIP-pre: 0.72/post: 0.76/p < 0.05, MEP-pre: 1.09/post: 1.15/p < 0.01) and CTMG (MIP-pre: 0.64/post: 0.72/p < 0.01; MEP-pre: 0.90/post: 1.01/p < 0.05) in post-intervention compared with baseline, which was not observed in PG and in TMG. There was no difference in intergroup comparisons. Conclusion: Manipulation of C3 alone or combined with manipulation of T12 increased maximum inspiratory and expiratory pressure.

Key words::

• Breathing tests
• diaphragm
• physical therapy modalities

Declaration of interest: The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of the paper.