The effectiveness of seated combined extension-compression and transverse load traction in increasing cervical lordosis- challenging the underlying framework
- Author:
Tamara Gien Pooke
;
Rozi Mahmud
;
Poh Sin Yap
;
Suraini binti Mohamad Saini
;
Sharifah Roohi Syed Waseem Ahmad
;
Harwant Singh
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
extension compression and transverse load traction;
cervical lordosis;
disc height
- From:International e-Journal of Science, Medicine and Education
2016;10(3):24-33
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Introduction:
The goal of this study was to assess
the effectiveness of seated combined extension-
compression and transverse load (ECTL) traction as a
new method for increasing a reduced lordosis of less than
30 degrees in a Malaysian population between the ages
of 18 and 60 years. Possible changes in disc height were
measured in accordance with the underlying theoretical
framework, that suggests the anterior cervical structures
would elongate due to creep over the fulcrum of the
traction device.
Method:
This was a single centre, randomised, blinded
controlled clinical trial with parallel groups, used to test
the superiority of the seated combined ECTL traction
together with physiotherapy exercises when compared
with the same physiotherapy exercises used as a control.
Fifty randomly allocated subjects who completed the
forty treatments over the fourteen weeks were analysed
using non-parametric tests for changes in outcomes.
Results:
There were no significant changes in outcomes
for disc height changes seen in this study. The findings of
a greater overall increase in posterior disc height changes
compared with anterior disc height changes were in
contrast with the proposed underlying theoretical
framework for this type of ECTL traction. The greater
height changes occurring in the control group were also
unexpected.
Conclusion:
The findings in this study of the contrasting
changes in disc height of greater posterior than anterior
height changes, question the underlying theoretical
framework as postulated for this type of traction.
- Full text:P020170120572910594531.pdf
