(Pentelka, Hebron, Shapleski, & Goldshtein, 2012)
Aims: To investigate the effect of the number of sets (up to 5) and different durations (30 vs. 60 s) of PA mobilisations on pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) at different sites.
Method: Single blinded, randomized, repeated measures crossover study. ≠ Days and randomized order. 19 Healthy physio students. 5 sets of large amplitude oscillatory mobilisation L4 1 Hz 242N measured by metronome & force plates. Duration was either 30 or 60 sec. 6 measures of PPT, before and after each set (3 times at 4 sites).
Results: No significant effect of duration on PPT across all sites combined (but insignificant trend towards longer duration locally). Significantly higher effect at local than remote location. Maximal increase with significant ≠ with 1st set at the 4th set. Smaller increase until last 5th set (for 30sec) or slightly down (for 60sec).
Limitations: Underpowered, healthy participants, no control group and sample biased towards physiotherapy so blinding may be compromised.
In Practice: 4 sets of mobilisations may provide the higher hypoalgesic effect. We cannot conclude on duration as underpowered: so insignificant but with trend towards longer duration. Local effect superior to remote.
Pentelka, L., Hebron, C., Shapleski, R., & Goldshtein, I. (2012). The effect of increasing sets (within one treatment session) and different set durations (between treatment sessions) of lumbar spine posteroanterior mobilisations on pressure pain thresholds. Manual Therapy, 17(6), 526–530. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.math.2012.05.009