Can the Force Platform be Used to Measure the Forces Applied During a PA Mobilisation of the Lumbar Spine?

Authors: Petty, Nicola Jane; Messenger, Neil

Source: Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, Volume 4, Number 2, 1996 , pp. 70-76(7)

Buy & download fulltext article:

Price: $25.00 plus tax (Refund Policy)

Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to determine the validity of using a force platform to measure the forces applied during a PA mobilisation of the lumber spine.

An experienced physiotherapist stood on a force platform and applied a simulated PA mobilisation for 20 seconds to one arm of a Digital Pinch Grip Analyser (PGA) which was secured to a portable treatment couch. The test was repeated 10 times and minimum and maximum forces for each oscillation were measured simultaneously by the PGA and force platform. The amplitudes and frequencies of oscillation where determined and two tailed paired t tests were carried out to compare the readings from the PGA and force platform.

The force platform overestimated the applied force by less than 4N, an error of less than 4%. The force platform underestimated the amplitude of oscillation by less than IN, an error of less than 3%. These errors were considered to be small. The force platform accurately measured the frequency of the oscillation.

It was concluded that the force platform is a valid tool with which to quantify the forces applied whilst investigating the effects of PA mobilisation.

Keywords: Mobilisation; Lumbar spine; Force Platform

Document Type: Research Article

Publication date: 1996-01-01

More about this publication?