Abstract
Research on external spinal compression has consisted mainly of laboratory-based evaluations of specific exercise interventions on spinal compression in athletes and industrial employees. The purpose of this pilot study was to test the reliability of a seated stadiometry device for measuring external spinal compression in a sample of nurses and non-nurses. This research will be used to study nurses in future studies. Twenty-three subjects were marked externally at the C7 spinal process. Two investigators collected measures of seated spinal length. Six measurements were taken within a five-minute period on the morning of day one, repeated four hours later, and one week later. Comparisons were made using ANOVA between (1) three sets of repeated measures; (2) inhalation and exhalation; (3) morning and afternoon sessions; and (4) weeks one to two. A statistically significant differece was found in mean measures of displacement (-2.29 mm to -4.07 mm) between morning and afternoon but not between inhalation and exhalation or in successive weeks. Inter-rater reliability between two investigators was excellent. The stadiometer proved highly reliable. It will be used to investigate the relationship between spinal compression and back pain in nurses in the workplace.
Published Version
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