The effect of sacroiliac mobilisation on cutaneous blood flow in the lower limb
Item
- Title
- The effect of sacroiliac mobilisation on cutaneous blood flow in the lower limb
- Author(s)
- Holmes Amy
- Abstract
-
Background
Spinal Mobilisation techniques are widely used amongst osteopathic therapists and have been suggested to have an effect upon various visceral functions such as blood flow through numerous somato-visceral reflexes involving the autonomic nervous system. The measurement of vasomotor activity using blood perfusion analysis is generally accepted as providing a reflection of sympathetic activity. This experiment assesses the effectiveness of sacroiliac mobilisation on the sympathetic nervous system through vasomotor activity using laser Doppler flowmetry.
Method
In this study 16 male asymptomatic subjects of similar age and body mass index underwent sacroiliac mobilisation for a period of three minutes while laser Doppler measurements were taken on the dorsal aspect of each foot. All subjects were monitored for medical history as well as being assessed for intake of vasoactive substances. All experiments were carried out under strictly controlled conditions. Measurements were carried out for five minutes pre and post mobilisation, and the average of these readings used to evaluate any changes in blood perfusion which occurred.
Results
This study found that following sacroiliac mobilisation there was a statistically significant (P<0.05) decrease in blood perfusion to the lower limb in both legs. Further analysis revealed this decrease to be highly significant (P<0.01) in the non-dominant leg, and of no statistical significance in the dominant leg (P>0.05). The law of dual effect was also demonstrated by showing that an additional period of five minutes resulted in a marked increase in blood flow. This indicates that mobilisation to the sacroiliac joint causes sympathetic nervous system stimulation, thus suggesting a use for mobilisation in conditions resulting in vascular dysfunction in the lower limb.
Areas for Further Research
It would be beneficial to carry out a repeat of this study using a larger study group in order to eliminate the potential for a type 1 statistical error. This could mean widening the subject group, including female subjects, all age ranges, and those with a BMI outside what is considered 'normal'. This would show whether the findings in this study are applicable across the board or only to a selected number of subjects.
In order that any experimental bias can be avoided a double blind study would be the optimal design, possibly including a control group. A 'sham' mobilisation could also be used to assess whether the changes in blood flow were due to the mobilisation or the contact effect of the practitioners hand over the sacrum. A 'sham' was not possible in this study due to the use of students who would be aware of the techniques being performed.
Further information could be acquired by carrying out a longer period of measurement. This could supply additional evidence of the presence (or not) of the dual effect, which has been suggested in this study.
Supplementary studies could also be carried out to assess the effect of SI mobilisation upon other parameters such as blood pressure, pulse, and sweat gland function. These could emphasise the effects found in this study.
The effect of different techniques around the SI joints such as muscle energy or soft tissue techniques to surrounding muscles, mobilisation of the lumbar spine or SI HVT techniques upon the SNS.
The effect of SI mobilisation upon symptomatic subjects could also be used to assess whether this technique has a therapeutic effect to the lower limb. This could be either subjects with demonstrable SI pain and restriction, or those with vascular compromising disease such as Raynauds Phenomenon. - presented at
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Date Accepted
- 0
- Date Submitted
- 1.1.1970 00:00:00
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 13637
- Inst-Identifier
- 1076
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Holmes Amy, “The effect of sacroiliac mobilisation on cutaneous blood flow in the lower limb”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 4, 2025, https://www.osteopathicresearch.org/s/orw/item/1120