The effects of hydrotherapy on lumbar spine mobility
Item
- Title
- The effects of hydrotherapy on lumbar spine mobility
- Author(s)
- Lyons Jacqueline
- Abstract
- Background. Hydrotherapy is a common treatment modality used by naturopathic osteopaths to facilitate the rehabilitative process of patients. However, no previous research has been undertaken to assess the effects of alternate hydrotherapy on lumbar spine mobility. Method. This study investigated the effect of hot and cold hydrotherapy on lumbar spine mobility in the sagittal plane (flexion and extension). It was proposed that hydrotherapy would enhance range of motion. Thirty asymptomatic male subjects (mean age 25.5 years ± 3.38, mean body mass index 24.8 ± 2.12) were tested. Intervention consisted of the application of alternate hot and cold high-pressured jets to the thoraco-lumbar spine, gluteal area and posterior lower limbs. Pre- and post- test readings were taken for flexion, extension and pelvic tilt, these were assessed using Back Range of Motion II device (BROM II), which is a modified inclinometer for spinal range of motion measurement. An intervention group of 20 subjects had hot jet sprays (38°C) applied to the spinal area for 1 minute, followed by a cold jet spray (10-12°C) for 20 seconds, this sequence was repeated twice. The control group received no hydrotherapy intervention. Range of motion for flexion, extension and pelvic tiltwere recorded both before and after either intervention/no intervention. Results. The results showed that there were some improvements in range of motion after hydrotherapy intervention. Post-test mean readings for the intervention group showed a minimal increase for flexion (0.01 degrees) and extension (3.09 degrees), pelvic tilt inclination decreased by 1.2 degrees. Ten subjects in the intervention group did show a slight increase in both flexion and extension, and thirteen subjects showed a decrease in pelvic tilt. However, these differences were not significant (p=<0.05), for flexion (t=-035, p=0.73), extension (t=-1.72, p=0.1), and pelvic tilt (t=1.37, p=0.19). Conclusion. These findings suggest that although no significant differences were evident from one treatment session there were minimal differences after the intervention that would justify further investigations into the effects of hydrotherapy on lumbar spine mobility.
- presented at
- British College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Date Accepted
- 2002
- Date Submitted
- 1.11.2003 00:00:00
- Type
- undergraduate_project
- Language
- English
- Number of pages
- 64
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 13006
- Inst-Identifier
- 1076
- Keywords
- The effects of hydrotherapy on lumbar spine mobility
- Recommended
- 1
- Item sets
- Thesis
Lyons Jacqueline, “The effects of hydrotherapy on lumbar spine mobility”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 4, 2025, https://www.osteopathicresearch.org/s/orw/item/1332