Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
. 2013 Sep;12(3):143-52.
doi: 10.1016/j.jcm.2013.05.001.

Pilot study of the impact sacroiliac joint manipulation has on walking kinematics using motion analysis technology

John S Ward  1 , Jesse Coats  2 , Kenneth Sorrels  3 , Mathew Walters  4 , Trevor Williams  4
Affiliations

Pilot study of the impact sacroiliac joint manipulation has on walking kinematics using motion analysis technology

John S Ward et al. J Chiropr Med. 2013 Sep.

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of engaging in a series of larger studies measuring the effect of sacroiliac joint manipulation on walking kinematics using motion analysis technology.

Methods: Twelve college students engaged in a baseline 90-second gait analysis at 1.5 mph using infrared VICON cameras. Following this, they underwent a prone heel comparison test for functional leg length inequality. Upon examination, participants were then classified as follows: left short leg, right short leg, or no short leg. Participants in each of the 2 short leg branches of this study were then randomized to receive either chiropractic manipulative therapy to the posterior superior iliac spine on the short limb side or no manipulation. Recruitment was ongoing for this pilot study until 1 participant was recruited in each of the following 5 comparative study groups: left short leg-manipulation, left short leg-no manipulation (control 1), right short leg-manipulation, right short leg-no manipulation (control 2), and no short leg (control 3). All participants then underwent another 90-second gait analysis. Data were then grouped and submitted to a blinded biomechanist to determine if there were any unique biomechanical differences between the groups.

Results: No statistically significant differences were measured because of this being a pilot study with a small sample size.

Conclusions: The data from this study indicate that a series of larger studies with this design is feasible.

Keywords: Biomechanics; Gait; Locomotion; Manipulation, chiropractic.

PubMed Disclaimer

Figures

Fig 1
Fig 1
A, Experimental design. B, Illustration of a study participant and a sample computer model based on reflective marker data extraction using the VICON imaging system. Only the left side of the participant is marked in this diagram to avoid image clutter. CMT, chiropractic manipulative therapy; L, left; LLI, leg length inequality; PSIS, posterior superior iliac spine; R, right.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

Similar articles

See all similar articles

Cited by

References

    1. Knutson G. Anatomic and functional leg-length inequality: a review and recommendation for clinical decision-making. Part I, anatomic leg-length inequality: prevalence, magnitude, effects and clinical significance. Chiropr Osteopat 2005;13:11. - PMC - PubMed
    1. McCaw S., Bates B. Biomechanical implications of mild leg length inequality. Br J Sp Med. 1991;25(1):10–13. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Langer S. Structural leg shortage: a case report. I Am Podiatry Assoc. 1976;66:38–40. - PubMed
    1. Friberg O. Clinical symptoms and biomechanics of lumbar spine and hip joint in leg length inequality. Spine. 1983;8(6):643–651. - PubMed
    1. Knutson G. Anatomic and functional leg-length inequality: a review and recommendation for clinical decision-making. Part II, the functional or unloaded leg-length asymmetry. Chiropr Osteopat. 2005;13:12. - PMC - PubMed

LinkOut - more resources