The immediate effects of cervical spine manipulation on pain and biochemical markers in females with acute non-specific mechanical neck pain: a randomized clinical trial.

Study Design: Randomized clinical trial with pre-test, post-test control group design. Objectives: To examine the immediate effects of cervical spinal manipulation (CSM) on serum concentration of biochemical markers (oxytocin, neurotensin, orexin A, and cortisol). Background: Several studies have found an association between spinal manipulation (SM) and pain perception. However, the mechanism by which SM modulates pain remains undefined. Methods: Twenty-eight female subjects with non-specific mechanical neck pain were randomly assigned to one of two interventions (CSM versus sham CSM). Blood samples were drawn before and immediately after the respective interventions. Oxytocin, neurotensin, orexin A, and cortisol were measured from the blood and serum using the Milliplex Map Magnetic Bead Panel Immunoassay on the Luminex 200 Platform. Results: In the CSM group, there were significant increases in pre- versus post-manipulation mean oxytocin (154.5 ± 60.1 vs. 185.1 ± 75.6, p = .012); neurotensin (116.0 ± 26.5 vs.136.4 ± 34.1, p < . 001); orexin A (52.2 ± 31.1 vs. 73.8 ± 38.8, p < .01) serum concentration; but no significant differences in mean cortisol (p = .052) serum concentration. In the sham group, there were no significant differences in any of the biomarkers (p > .05). Conclusion: The results of the current study suggest that the mechanical stimuli provided through a CSM may modify neuropeptide expression by immediately increasing the serum concentration of nociception-related biomarkers (oxytocin, neurotensin, orexin A, but not cortisol) in the blood of female subjects with non-specific mechanical neck pain.

Magnetically coupled balance platform.

The purpose of this study was to develop a new device to assess balance in two planes and then to provide training paradigms for balance abnormalities. Based on the principal of a Biomechanical Ankle Platform System (BAPS) board, the device is different than other devices that are on the market today in that this device allows assessment of balance during body sway movement in the forward\back and side-to-side directions. Like the BAPS board, individuals balance themselves on the board with a pivot in the centre. However, unlike the BAPS board, a variable viscosity magnetic fluid is used to vary the dampening on the board such that the board can be fixed in the forward\back or side-to-side plane. It can also be allowed to move either freely in both planes or with some dampening in any direction. This device offers a major improvement over other balance measuring devices in that it allows movement in multiple planes. It also allows for rapid alterations of movement in any plane to test an individual's ability to maintain their balance against a challenge.