The effect of psycho-suggestion on cervical range of motion
Item
- Title
- The effect of psycho-suggestion on cervical range of motion
- Author(s)
- Wong Amy
- Abstract
-
ABSTRACT
Numerous studies have shown psycho-suggestion in the form of motor imagery to elicit changes in autonomic and voluntary processes, enabling increased muscle power, improved motor skills, and greater focus and performance in sports. This study set out to determine whether motor imagery could increase the range of motion of the cervical spine.
METHODS: The study was a matched pair, double blind trial involving 40 asymptomatic subjects aged between 18 and 40. A measurement of each subject's cervical spine rotation was taken with a Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) Goniometer before and after a playback of recorded audio motor imagery. A control group were given a recorded audio relaxation exercise, with pre- and post-intervention measurements taken.
RESULTS: For the control group, a two-tailed t-test showed no significant change in cervical range of motion (p>0.05). In the test group, a one-tailed t-test showed a significant increase in cervical range of motion (p<0.05). Calculation of sampling error for the test group gave an increase between 3.1% and 11.0% at the 95% level of confidence.
CONCLUSION: Psycho-suggestion in the form of recorded audio motor imagery gave a significant increase in cervical range of motion. The outcome complements the existing body of research concluding that motor imagery can affect physiological functions, and provides a rationale for the integration of psycho-suggestive techniques into the application of genuinely holistic Osteopathy and Naturopathy.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER STUDIES
The basic principle of this study, investigating the effect of motor imagery on range of motion, could be replicated with many variations.
Effect of motor imagery on other vectors of cervical spine motion, or on other joints or body segments, could be investigated.
Comparison of the effect of motor imagery against an osteopathic or naturopathic treatment modality (e.g. mobilisation, high-velocity thrust, hydrotherapy, muscle energy or neuromuscular techniques, active/passive stretch) on range of motion of a joint.
Effect of motor imagery on another measurable output, such as maximal muscle power, hypertrophy of muscle, or ability to perform a motor skill (e.g. an osteopathic technique)
Effect on a given measurable output of mental practice over a set time period, either by guided motor imagery or self-directed mental practice.
Investigation into the duration of the effect given by motor imagery and mental practice, possibly with comparison against the duration of an osteopathic or naturopathic treatment modality. - 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
- 13615
- Inst-Identifier
- 1076
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Wong Amy, “The effect of psycho-suggestion on cervical range of motion”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 4, 2025, https://www.osteopathicresearch.org/s/orw/item/1142