was observed in the full trunk flexion position in the control group, whereas continuous muscle activity was observed in the low back pain group(4) . On axial . Kuriyama demonstrated that the paraspinal muscle activity restricted lum- bar range of motion to protect from injury by movement. It was found that reduced intervertebral range of motion has also been seen previously in patients with low back pain with degenerative changes in the lumbar spine (4) . Kuriyama concluded that restricted intervertebral motion in the patients may have been due to continuous intrinsic muscle activity, working to pro- tect from injury of the joint, intervertebral disc and ligament(4) . The Oolo-Austin test is used to identify those particular mus- cles of the spine that in are in a neurologi- cally over-facilitated or protective state. A large part of the Trigenics Myoneural As- sessment involves muscle length testing for overfacilitation. (Conversely strength testing is also used to measure neural rotation, an intermuscular time lag was observed at the beginning of the motion in the control group, however, in the low back pain group, there was no such time lag(4) inhibition) The Oolo-Austin test is strictly used to assess the length of the surround- ing musculature of the spine, in particular the multifi dus and the erector spinae. THE OOLO-AUSTIN TEST PROCEDURE The practitioner sits directly behind the patient who is in a seated position, strad- dling the treatment table with their arms crossed over their chest (diagram 1). The practitioner assesses to see if the patient has equal range of axial rotation of the head and neck and then passively rotates the patient by contacting the patient’s shoulders to pull with one hand and push with the other. The patient is passively rotated until they reach end range of mo- tion (diagram 2) and the patient is asked to look back at the practitioner. The rota- tional component can be measured either visually by the practitioner viewing the amount that can be seen of the eye of the patient farthest from him or by using a go- niometer for a more accurate reading. By having the patient look into the direction of rotation when they have reached the passive end range, they are able to actively take part in the pre- and post-treatment Diagram 2 Diagram 3 www.canadianchiropractor.ca CANADIAN CHIROPRACTOR | SEPTEMBER 2008 • 47
Chiropractic + Naturopathic Doctor September 2008: Page 47
