Part 1 of this series (see DC, April 23, 2001, Volume 19, Issue 9, (www.chiroweb.com/archives/19/09/06.html) described the basic evaluation and treatment approach required to carry out sensory-motor training (SMT). The rationale (why), indications (when), and techniques (what) were all presented. This second part will summarize part one's main points, and then focus on the practical issues surrounding how to integrate SMT into your practice.
Why
SMT is important because proprioceptive and balance dysfunction(s) compromise the body's ability to reflexly stabilize joints under conditions of sudden or unexpected external load or perturbations. Balance disorders have been found to correlate with a wide variety of conditions: ankle and knee instability; low back pain; ataxia; and even cervicobrachial complaints.
Table 1: Normative data for the one leg standing test (Bohannon '84).
A few studies which illustrate the importance of a healthy sensory-motor system are reviewed here:
SMT is indicated when balance tests show less than normal balance function. The basic balance test is the one leg standing test (see Table 1 for the standards). In your clinic this test can be performed on any nonacute patient.
Table 1: Normative data for the one leg standing test (Bohannon '84).
| AGE (years) | EYES OPEN (seconds) | EYES CLOSED (seconds) |
| 20-59 | 29-30 | 21-28.8 |
| 60-69 | 22.5 average | 10 |
| 70-79 | 14.2 | 4.3 |
The Test
Instruct your patient to:
Qualitative signs of poor balance:
Note: If balance or reaction times are compomised, SMT is indicated.
What
SMT involves learning to balance, walk without excessive subtalar pronation, and to actively "brace" the lumbar spine to stabilize it under adverse load situations. The "tools of the trade" include various labile training surfaces, such as rocker boards built to Janda's specification; wobble boards; balance sandals; gymnastic balls; and mini-trampolines.
How
Integrating SMT into your busy practice is not difficult. Most patients are highly motivated to begin this training, as it is usually obvious that their balance is poor and training it is fun. There are three distinct stages of motor learning that you should guide a patient through (see Table 2). The first stage is cognitive training of the kinaesthetic awareness of proper foot and spine position, which activates the "deep" stabilization system. Subsequent neuromuscular training on labile surfaces engrains new patterns of locomotor function, which improves balance and reaction times. Eventually, a new pattern of locomotor function should emerge which is active during the patient's activities of daily living (ADL).
Table 2
Stages of Motor Learning
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Stage one involves training the patient in proper foot position or how to actively "brace" the lumbar spine with slight abdominal tension. This can commence during the acute phase of care. It usually takes a few minutes per treatment session with practice at home. Within a week or two, most patients develop the kinaesthetic sense to be able to execute these motor skills volitionally.
Stage two training involves placing a patient on a labile surface such as a rocker board or simply having them stand on one foot and balance. This can be initiated when the patient is out of the initial acute phase. Such training should be taught carefully in the office and supervised. Once the patient demonstrates proper form and control, the training can be prescribed for home use. Ideally, home SMT would consist of 15 minutes per day broken into three equal sessions of approximately five minutes each (Bullock-Saxton '93).
Rocker board exercises are an excellent introduction to SMT for patients. The patient can start by standing on the board while learning to slowly rock it in an A-to-P direction. At first, there will usually be a great deal of upper-body sway and hinging from the hips and lumbosacral spine. But quickly, the patient will learn to hinge from the ankles and rock the board equally forward or backwards. The "learning curve" is particularly rapid, which gives the patient positive reinforcement and a sense of accomplishment. This facilitates further progressions such as working with the board at other angles, standing on it on one foot, or progressing to wobble boards or balance sandals.
Stage three training involves incorporation of improved balance, foot position "sense", and abdominal "bracing" abilities in ADL. Lunge; squat; carrying; kneeling; sit-to-stand; pushing; and pulling activities can all be trained without any special equipment. At most, elastic tubing is probably the only equipment needed. The goal is for the patient to demonstrate good motor control and skill in their ADLs and then to repeat certain functional stereotypes repetitively to engrain the new neuromuscular patterns.
Conclusion
SMT is valuable, inexpensive, easy and fun. Its clinical utility is very high, and thus belongs in every chiropractor's armamentarium.
References
When sports chiropractors first appeared at the Olympic Games in the 1980s, it was alongside individual athletes who had experienced the benefits of chiropractic care in their training and recovery processes at home. Fast forward to Paris 2024, where chiropractic care was available in the polyclinic for all athletes, and the attitude has now evolved to recognize that “every athlete deserves access to sports chiropractic."
It is estimated that 61% of patients with CTS avoid taking surgical options due to postoperative complications and costly surgical procedures. Chiropractic care offers a comprehensive and effective treatment for carpal tunnel syndrome, addressing the condition from multiple angles. Recent studies also have unveiled a game-changing adjunct to chiropractic treatments for CTS: nerve flossing.
Some doctors thrive in a personality-based clinic and have a loyal following no matter what services or equipment they offer, but for most chiropractic offices who are trying to grow and expand, new equipment purchases help us stay relevant and continue to service our client base in the best, most up-to-date manner possible. So, regarding equipment purchasing: should you lease, get a bank loan, or pay cash?
