Validation, in healthy adults, of the reproducibility of the elongation of the cervical spine, under constant traction, in function of time and breathing. Pilot study.

Abstract

Introduction: The region of the neck is vulnerable. In case of pathology, the cervical traction is suggested to put under stress its constituent elements. We consider that the elongation of the cervical spine is constant and reproducible under the influence of a given traction power. We suggest studying the validation of a measuring instrument to objectivize the pathological damages and the results of the treatment. Method: 60 healthy subjects with a mean age of 25.83 ± 6.55 took part in our study. They have been evaluated two times within a 3-day interval. The extension of the neck was measured by a potentiometer during 120s under the effect of a cervical tension using 7% of the body's weight. The relaxation of the subject was revealed through EMG recording of the muscles of the neck. Synchronization with breathing was captured through an abdominal detector. Results: The elongation of the cervical spine was 1.71 + 0.7 mm. The reproducibility of the elongation was large (r = 0.73). The elongation of the cervical spine according to the respiratory rhythm of the subject could not be reported. Discussion and Conclusion: The flow of the conjunctive tissues of the neck is constant and its measurement with our tool is reliable. This leads to a lot of new research openings.