Autonomic function and pressure pain threshold following thoracic mobilization in asymptomatic subjects: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effects of two different mobilization techniques and a placebo intervention applied to the thoracic spine on heart rate variability (HRV) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) in asymptomatic individuals.

METHODS: Sixty healthy asymptomatic subjects aged between 18 and 40 years old were randomized to a single session of one of the three interventions: posterior-to-anterior (PA) rotatory thoracic passive accessory intervertebral mobilization (PAIVM) (PA group), unilateral thoracic PA in slump position (SLUMP group) or placebo intervention (Placebo group). HRV and PPT at C7 and T4 spinous process, first dorsal interossei muscles bilaterally, and muscle belly of tibialis anterior bilaterally were measured before and immediately after the intervention. A univariate analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) adjusted for baseline values assessed the effect of "Group". Pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni adjustment for multiple comparisons were performed.

RESULTS: There were no significant between-group differences for HRV. A significant between-group difference for PPT in the ipsilateral tibia was found favoring the SLUMP group in comparison with the PA group. There were no significant between-group differences for PPT in the other landmarks.

CONCLUSION: A single treatment of thoracic PAIVM in prone lying and slump position did not alter PPT and HRV compared to placebo in asymptomatic subjects.