Unpublished MSc thesis, Victoria University, 2004/01, 27, type of study: ,ppt,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (http://vuir.vu.edu.au/899/)

Keywords:

biomechanics [69]
myobac [1]
orthosis [4]
pretest posttest design [241]
range of motion [116]
thoracic spine [98]

Abstract:

The aim of this study was to determine the biomechanical effect of the “Myobac“ orthosis on the thoracic spine, in flexion and extension. A 2 week trial of the Myobac orthosis was conducted using 2 intervention groups, those without thoracic spine dysfunction, and those with. Results were compared to a control group. Gross flexion and extension range of motion (ROM) of the thoracic spine was measured. Pre and post intervention measurements were analysed for treatment groups, measurements at week 0 and week 2 were analysed for the control group, using One-Way ANOVA and the Kruskal-Wallis Test, to determine the effect of the Myobac on thoracic spine flexion and extension. The treatment groups, both with and without dysfunction, had statistically significant increases in gross thoracic ROM in flexion and extension post intervention, compared with the control group. There was no significant difference found between the two treatment groups post intervention. There is no previous research or literature regarding the Myobac. The effect of orthoses on the spine has been well documented in the lumbar spine, but not in the thoracic spine. The Myobac orthosis produces an increase in gross thoracic spinal ROM in flexion and extension. However this is not proven to be clinically significant without further research. This minor thesis was written by a post-graduate student as part of the requirements of the Master of Health Science (Osteopathy) program.