Sudomotor Changes Induced by Neural Mobilisation Techniques in Asymptomatic Subjects

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of two spinal manipulative therapy techniques on skin conductance and skin temperature in the distal C6 dermatome of asymptomatic subjects. The effects of the two spinal manipulative therapy techniques were compared. A randomised, repeated measures, double blind, placebo controlled study design was used to investigate the physiological effect of a C5/6 left lateral glide technique (grade III) with the right upper limb in either the upper limb tension test 1 (LG1) or the upper limb tension test 2b (LG2b) position. Thirty-four normal asymptomatic subjects participated in the study. LG2b and LG1 produced significantly greater increases in skin conductance than did placebo or control. LG2b produced a greater increase than did LG1 but this was not significant. There were no such significant changes in skin temperature. These results provide objective evidence of a physiological effect that is produced by the spinal manipulative therapy techniques under consideration.