The AAO Journal, 2024/06, 34(2):28-29. doi: 10.53702/i2375-5717-34.2.16, type of study: ,obs,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Full text    (https://meridian.allenpress.com/aaoj/article/34/2/16/500954/LBORC-NUFA-Poster-Abstracts-2024-Students)

Keywords:

observational study [246]
somatic dysfunction [159]

Abstract:

Introduction/Background: Somatic dysfunction (SD) is typically localized categorically to a specific body region by the presence of any of 4 TART criteria: tissue texture abnormality, asymmetry, restriction of motion, or tenderness. This work describes a novel quantification method that provides continuous measures of SD for multiple body regions, an overall score of SD across body regions, and a multi-region profile of SD in an individual. Methods: 53 Osteopathic medical students at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine - Colorado served as subjects in this study. SD was quantified by 2 Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine using a novel scoring technique across 9 body regions. SD was assessed by screening areas of greatest restriction (AGR). AGR was scored for each left and right region using a 0-3 scale according to how many TART criteria were present, however, tenderness was not included in the scoring. A score of 0 represented the absence of TART criteria, whereas 3 reflected that all TART criteria were present. SD measures were summed individually within each area, and across all regions together. Results: Summed scores of SD showed a normal distribution across subjects (mean 22.43, standard deviation 8.5, range 4-48). Interclass correlations measuring interrater reliability across subjects were highest for Thoracic, Lumbar, Sacral, and Pelvic regions together (range 0.6-0.7). Calibration between raters improved reliability from 0.34 to 0.78 for these same body regions. SD Measures showed identical patterns for both raters across body regions with the highest SD measures in Thoracic and Lumbar, and the lowest in Pelvis and Upper Extremities. Conclusion: We envision a number of clinical and research applications for a multi-region profile of SD that uses continuous measures within and across body regions.