The effect of occipital-atlantal high velocity low amplitude thrust on the resting tone of the trapezius muscle

Item

Title
The effect of occipital-atlantal high velocity low amplitude thrust on the resting tone of the trapezius muscle
Author(s)
Nicol Damien
Abstract
Abstract
The aim of this study is to examine the effect that bilateral occipital atlantal high velocity low amplitude thrust has upon the resting tone of the trapezius musculature in asymptomatic subjects. This study also aims to demonstrate the presence of the TNR, and the ability to modify it by application of O/A manipulation.
30 Asymptomatic Osteopathic Medicine students Male and Female were recruited, aged between 20-30 yr, average BMI. Subjects will have no prior cervical spine trauma or injuries, not be receiving treatment for any medical condition, and has successfully completed the medical screening questionnaire. The subjects were randomly selected into two groups a control group and a treatment group. Subjects have electrodes attached, to the acromium and the trapezius muscle. The subjects lay down in a supine position and remained as still as possible whilst the EMG is calibrated and the resting tone measurement is recorded. After 15mins, the subject's atlantal-occipital joint will be manipulated bilaterally.
The subject was then monitored for a further 15 min in order to observe if the resting tone of the muscle has been altered in any way by the manipulation.
The results show that the OA manipulation did significantly lower the trapezius resting tone for both left and right shoulders when compared against the control group (Left treatment group vs., Left control group = Mean 3.70 +/- 1.69, t= 2.19, p=<0.0373, Cl= 7.16 to 0.234. Right treatment group vs. Right control group = Mean =3.82 +/- 1.58, t= 2.43, p=<0.0220, Cl= 7.05 to 0.594).
The results of this study allow for a conclusion that HVLT can elicit clear measurable EMG response with a decrease in the muscles post HVT resting tone. This supports the idea that High Velocity Thrust reduces hyper activation of muscles in areas of the back. Origins of this phenomenon may include mechanoreceptors in the capsule of the facet joint and proprioceptors of skeletal muscles, muscle spindles and Golgi tendon organs leading to a decrease in the spinal afferent drive and therefore a decrease in the in muscle tonis post HVT. This study was unable to explain exact reflex pathways or reasons for the decrease in the resting tone of the trapezius muscles.
Date Accepted
0
Date Submitted
1.1.1970 00:00:00
Type
osteo_thesis
Language
English
Submitted by:
62
Pub-Identifier
13596
Inst-Identifier
1076
Recommended
0
Item sets
Thesis

Nicol Damien, “The effect of occipital-atlantal high velocity low amplitude thrust on the resting tone of the trapezius muscle”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 4, 2025, https://www.osteopathicresearch.org/s/orw/item/1161