BackgroundThe most utilized soccer kicking method is the instep kicking technique. Decreased motion in spinal joint segments results in adverse biomechanical changes within in the kinematic chain. These changes may be linked to a negative impact on soccer performance. This study tested the immediate effect of lumbar spine and sacroiliac manipulation alone and in combination on the kicking speed of uninjured soccer players.MethodsThis 2010 prospective, pre-post experimental, single-blinded (subject) required forty asymptomatic soccer players, from regional premier league teams, who were purposively allocated to one of four groups (based on the evaluation of the players by two blinded motion palpators). Segment dysfunction was either localized to the lumbar spine (Group 1), sacroiliac joint (Group 2), the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint (Group 3) or not present in the sham laser group (Group 4). All players underwent a standardized warm-up before the pre-measurements. Manipulative intervention followed after which post-measurements were completed. Measurement outcomes included range of motion changes (digital inclinometer); kicking speed (Speed Trac™ Speed Sport Radar) and the subjects’ perception of a change in kicking speed. SPSS version 15.0 was used to analyse the data, with repeated measures ANOVA and a p-value <0.05 (CI 95%).ResultsLumbar spine manipulation resulted in significant range of motion increases in left and right rotation. Sacroiliac manipulation resulted in no significant changes in the lumbar range of motion. Combination manipulative interventions resulted in significant range of motion increases in lumbar extension, right rotation and right SI joint flexion. There was a significant increase in kicking speed post intervention for all three manipulative intervention groups (when compared to sham). A significant correlation was seen between Likert based-scale subjects’ perception of change in kicking speed post intervention and the objective results obtained.ConclusionsThis pilot study showed that lumbar spine manipulation combined with SI joint manipulation, resulted in an effective intervention for short-term increases in kicking speed/performance. However, the lack of an a priori analysis, a larger sample size and an unblinded outcome measures assessor requires that this study be repeated, addressing these concerns and for these outcomes to be validated.

Background: In terms of kicking speed the instep kicking technique is the most effective and commonly used method. Immobilization or restricted motion within a joint segment, results in adverse changes in the surrounding ligaments, tendons and muscular tissue. To improve joint mobility and thus improving flexibility, this study focused on spinal manipulation. Objectives: The main purpose of this study was to determine the immediate effectiveness of lumbar spine and sacroiliac manipulation on the range of motion (ROM) of the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints as well as the kicking speed of the subjects. Methods: Forty asymptomatic soccer players, playing for the regional Premier League team or higher, were divided into four groups of 10 each. Group 1 received lumbar spine manipulation, Group 2 received sacroiliac (SI) joint manipulation, Group 3 received combined lumbar spine and SI joint manipulation and Group 4 received the sham laser intervention (placebo/control). Pre and post warm-up and post intervention lumbar and SI joint ROM were measured using a digital inclinometer. Kicking speed was measured post warm-up and post intervention with a Speed Trac™ Speed Sport Radar. The subjects’ perception of a change in kicking speed post intervention was also recorded. SPSS version 15.0 was used to analyse the data. Results: Pre and post outcome measurements were compared using a p value of < 0.05 to indicate statistical significance. Statistically significant ROM increases were noticed in left and right lumbar rotation motions post lumbar manipulative intervention. Lumbar extension, left and right lumbar rotation and SI joint extension ROM increased post combination of lumbar spine and SI joint manipulation. There VI was a significant increase in kicking speed post intervention for all three manipulative intervention groups. A significant correlation was seen between subjects’ perception of change in kicking speed post intervention and the objective results obtained. Conclusions: Lumbar spine and SI joint manipulation is an effective intervention for short-term increase in kicking speed.