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Reflection 4

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200 views

Reflection 4

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Reflection 4

Force Plate Analysis

During our tutorial class, we were introduced to a device that I was not aware of. The Force
Plate Analysis is a tool that we had the opportunity to practice our thrusts on. I found this to
be really enjoyable and I had fun challenging myself to get better with each level at 200, 400
and 600. It actually felt like a strenuous workout by the end of the session, but it was
exceptionally rewarding and beneficial. It made me realise that strengthening my upper
body would be a good idea too.

As I practised on the force plate, I received feedback via the screen which illustrated the
peak load that is produced with the thrust. This technology is a good device to highlight my
strength or level of thrust that I am applying.

As I practised further, the peak load varied considerably from my first attempt to my third
and fourth attempt. I suppose as I progress through to my third, fourth and fifth years, my
progress should improve in terms of experience and delivering a reproducible force. This
observation is supported by Adams and Wood 9 where in their study, they found
chiropractors with an average of eight years practice and experience demonstrated large
variability in force and manipulative procedures.

This is supported by the literature where small groups of participants in the study by Enebo
and Sherwood (2003) showed improved performance, however the data reflects values that
were collected from a small quantity of individuals, hence this needs to be taken into
consideration. These studies utilised mannequins to practice on and their aim was to
investigate methods that could reduce injury when spinal manipulations were performed
repetitively. This would ensure safe, gentle yet effective practice.

An interesting observation in the literature by Ericsson et al demonstrates that peak values


improve in the first couple of years, and that the speed or time it takes to apply the thrust
increases with experience. Ericsson et al confirms that the amount of practice with
performing a task is a crucial feature to strengthen the performance level. Furthermore, an
increased performance level would increase effort and motivation to deliver optimum
results.

During my force plate practice session, I learnt it was important to maintain the preload in
actual clinical practice in order to deliver the optimum thrust and avoid the decrease in
force prior to performing the adjustment. Adams and Wood 9 highlighted that through
knowledge and training, the practitioner’s performance would improve markedly.

This activity was really beneficial and challenging. It required co-ordination and consistency
in which I feel confident will improve over time and with experienced exposure and
experience. This is confirmed by a study conducted by Adams and Wood 11 in which they
compared force generation between final year students with practising chiropractors. They
established that this force developed with clinical experience and practice. Furthermore, as
experience increased, the error scores decreased. I look forward to engaging in many more
sessions in future chiropractic classes to increase my level of skill and generating force. The
force plate analysis provided feedback and highlighted the areas of improvement I need to
focus on in order to enhance my capabilities.

The force plate analysis demonstrates the significant change in the performance of spinal
manipulation by using this instrument and also promotes safety techniques by looking after
our bodies, arms and wrists. It will also enhance my proficiency and level of skill. My goal is
to master these adjustments and perform optimum thrusts as a future chiropractor.

References

1. Adams, A.A, & Wood, J. (1984). Forces used in selected chiropractic adjustments of
the low back: a preliminary study. PCC Res Forum, 1: 5-9.

2. Adams, A.A, & Wood, J. (1985). Changes in force parameters with practice for spatial
accuracy and error detection in a rapid aiming task. Res Q Exercise Sport, 67: 35-43.

3. Enebo, B., & Sherwood, D. (2003). Experience and Practice Organization in Learning a
Simulated High-Velocity Low-Amplitude Task. National University of Health Sciences.
doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2004.12.002

4. Ericsson, K.A., Krampe, R.T., & Tesch-Romer, C. (1993). The role of deliberate
practice in the acquisition of expert performance. Psychology Rev, 100: 363-406.

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