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Activator Methods International Ltd.
2950 N. Seventh Street, Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85014
ofc 602-224-0220
fax 602-224-0230
toll free 1-800-598-0224
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Subject: Cervical Spine Related Studies
Title: Reliability of the Derifield-Thompson test for leg length inequality, and use of the test to demonstrate cervical adjusting efficacy.
Reference: Shambaugh P, Solafani L, Fanselow D. Reliability of the Derefield-Thompson test for leg-length inequality, and use of the test to demonstrate cervical adjusting efficacy. J Manipulative Physiol Ther 1988; 11(5): 396-9
Abstract
The Derifield-Thompson test for leg length inequality (LLI) is commonly used by chiropractors to assess a need for adjustment and to evaluate the results of adjustment. The two previous studies testing the reliability of the technique reported conflicting results. This study had two objectives: to demonstrate inter- and intraobserver reliability in detecting a LLI as little as 3 mm; and to document what effect Pierce-Stillwagon cervical adjusting has on a functional LLI. Twenty-six subjects walked into five successive examining rooms where a Derifield leg check was performed, including an estimate of the millimeters of difference in leg lengths. The subjects then entered a treatment room where they were randomly given no treatment, cervical adjusting, or gluteal massage. This process continued for 5 cycles. This study demonstrated that clinicians could reliably measure a LLI to less than 3 mm (both inter- and intraobserver), and also detect a change in LLI when the head was rotated. Neither cervical adjustment nor gluteal massage produced a significant change in observed LLI.
Key Words:
Cervical Vertebrae; Chiropractic; Human; Leg Length Inequality; Manipulation, Orthopedic; Methods
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