Investigation of Acute Effects of Thoracic Manipulation on Trunk Flexion and Balance in Athletes

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the acute effects of thoracic manipulation on trunk flexion and balance characteristics in athletes. 60 male team athletes with a mean age of 22.60±0.32 years participated in the study voluntarily. Trunk flexion values and balance levels of all participants were determined before manipulation. After the measurements, the participants were randomly divided into two groups as the thoracic manipulation group (TMG) and the placebo manipulation group (PMG). Then, as a single session, thoracic manipulation was applied to the TMG group and placebo thoracic manipulation was applied to the PMG group. The trunk flexions and balance levels of each participant were remeasured after the application, and the differences before and after the application were examined. Since the data analyzed via SPSS 25.0 package program showed normal distribution, paired-t test was used to evaluate the pre-application and post-application results. The results were analyzed at the p<0.05 significance level. In the results of the study, it was determined that there was a significant improvement in the standard deviation of forward and backward sway (FBSD), medial-lateral sway (MLSD) and used perimeter (P) parameters in post-application static balance. A significant improvement in the mean balance error monitoring (ATE) parameter in the post-application dynamic balance was also determined. An increase in trunk flexion values was observed in the TMG group after the application. As a result, it is concluded that high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) thoracic manipulation application provides instant positive contributions to trunk mobility and balance feature in athletes.