Clinical feasibility of quantifying the force-time characteristics of spinal mobilizations in the preschool-age pediatric population

IF 1.9 4区医学 Q3 INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

European Journal of Integrative Medicine Pub Date : 2025-04-22 DOI:10.1016/j.eujim.2025.102485

Marie-Hélène Vallières , Chantale Doucet , François Nougarou , Martha Funabashi , Isabelle Pagé

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Introduction

Spinal mobilizations are commonly employed to address neuromusculoskeletal disorders in children. However, there is limited data on the biomechanics of these interventions. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using a fingertip force sensor to measure the force-time characteristics of spinal mobilizations delivered by chiropractors to children.

Methods

Chiropractors were recruited through purposive sampling via the research team’s network, targeting those with a pediatric-focused practice and contacted via professional email. A force sensor was attached to their fingertip while they performed spinal mobilizations on patients aged five years and younger. Feasibility was assessed through five elements: recruitment of participants (chiropractors and children), data collection, acceptability and suitability, resources, and data quality. A thematic analysis was performed to categorize information related to each feasibility element into barriers and facilitators.

Results

A total of 6 chiropractors and 43 children participated in the study. Recruitment was successful, with all invited chiropractors agreeing to participate and children being recruited through their legal guardians. Data collection was feasible, though challenges with children’s cooperation led to repeated trials. Both chiropractors and legal guardians expressed general satisfaction; the sensor did not impact the clinicians' tactile sensitivity, and treatment time was not extended. Resource management was efficient, with no equipment malfunctions. Issues with sensor calibration and difficulties in visually confirming sensor positioning were noted. Data quality indicated data loss, particularly during cervical mobilization.

Conclusion

This study indicates that, while using a fingertip force sensor does not interfere with the treatment process, several challenges, including calibration issues, were identified. These insights provide a basis for improving methodologies in pediatric manual therapy research.

Clinical trial registration

This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05607355).

查看原文本刊更多论文

量化学龄前儿童脊柱活动力-时间特征的临床可行性

脊柱活动通常用于解决儿童神经肌肉骨骼疾病。然而，这些干预措施的生物力学数据有限。本研究旨在评估使用指尖力传感器测量脊医对儿童脊柱活动的力-时间特征的可行性。方法通过研究团队的网络进行有目的的抽样，招募以儿科为重点的脊医，并通过专业电子邮件与之联系。当他们对5岁及以下的患者进行脊柱活动时，他们的指尖上附着了一个力传感器。可行性通过五个要素进行评估：招募参与者（脊医和儿童）、数据收集、可接受性和适用性、资源和数据质量。进行了专题分析，将与每个可行性要素有关的信息分类为障碍和促进因素。结果共6名脊医和43名儿童参与研究。招募很成功，所有被邀请的脊医都同意参加，儿童也通过他们的法定监护人招募。数据收集是可行的，尽管儿童合作方面的挑战导致了反复试验。脊医和法定监护人均表示满意；传感器不影响临床医生的触觉灵敏度，治疗时间不延长。资源管理高效，无设备故障。注意到传感器校准问题和视觉确认传感器定位的困难。数据质量表明数据丢失，特别是在颈椎活动期间。本研究表明，虽然使用指尖力传感器不会干扰治疗过程，但仍存在一些挑战，包括校准问题。这些见解为改进小儿手工疗法的研究方法提供了基础。临床试验注册本研究已在ClinicalTrials.gov注册（NCT05607355）。

本文章由计算机程序翻译，如有差异，请以英文原文为准。

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来源期刊

European Journal of Integrative Medicine INTEGRATIVE & COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE-

CiteScore

4.70

自引率

4.00%

发文量

102

审稿时长

33 days

期刊介绍： The European Journal of Integrative Medicine (EuJIM) considers manuscripts from a wide range of complementary and integrative health care disciplines, with a particular focus on whole systems approaches, public health, self management and traditional medical systems. The journal strives to connect conventional medicine and evidence based complementary medicine. We encourage submissions reporting research with relevance for integrative clinical practice and interprofessional education. EuJIM aims to be of interest to both conventional and integrative audiences, including healthcare practitioners, researchers, health care organisations, educationalists, and all those who seek objective and critical information on integrative medicine. To achieve this aim EuJIM provides an innovative international and interdisciplinary platform linking researchers and clinicians. The journal focuses primarily on original research articles including systematic reviews, randomized controlled trials, other clinical studies, qualitative, observational and epidemiological studies. In addition we welcome short reviews, opinion articles and contributions relating to health services and policy, health economics and psychology.