Submitted in partial compliance with the requirements for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic, Durban University of Technology, 2014. / Aim: To determine the effect of long axis manipulation of the third metacarpophalangeal joint (MCP) on articular surface separation, peri-articular soft tissue movement and joint cavitation. Participants: Forty two right-handed healthy individuals between 18 and 28 years of age from the Durban University of Technology campuses, KwaZulu Natal. Methodology: Written informed consent was obtained from each participant. A case history, physical examination and a hand and wrist orthopaedic assessment was conducted for each participant. Study specific data, such as sex, age, height and weight were recorded. A diagnostic ultrasound (US) scan was done to the left third MCP joint for each participant while distractive manipulation was applied to the joint. The presence or absence of audible release was noted and the tension levels applied to the joint was measured with a digital tension meter. Joint surface separation (JSS), synovial membrane position (SMP), gas bubble presence and location were assessed on the US recordings at baseline, just prior to cavitation, at maximum traction and in the post-traction resting joint. IBM SPSS version 20 was used to analyse the data. Independent sample t-tests were used to compare the means between the two groups and the associations were compared using Pearson’s chi square tests. A p value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: Long axis manipulation resulted in audible release in 22 of the participants (Group and no audible release in 20 of the participants (Group 2). No significant difference in joint surface separation or the synovial membrane position could be established between MCP joints that cavitated and MCP joints that did not cavitate at the baseline, as well as in maximum traction and in the post-procedure resting joint (p > 0.05; t-test). Hyperechoic gas bubbles were present in 21 of the 22 participants of Group 1 and no gas bubbles could be visualised in the participants in Group 2. The presence of intra-articular hyperechoic gas bubbles was highly associated with audible release (p < 0.001; Pearson’s chi square test). Due to the predefined features of cavitation, gas bubble inception was could not be detected in the Group 1 participants prior to cavitation. In Group 1, 95.5% of the gas bubbles were present in the middle third of the joint at maximum traction. At the post traction resting joint evaluation, no gas bubble was evident in 42.9% (n = 9) of the joints; 42.9% (n = 9) indicated bubbles were present only in the dorsal third, whilst 9.5% (n = 2) presented bubbles in the middle and dorsal third; and in one case gas bubbles were seen in the dorsal, middle and ventral thirds of the joint space. The mean manipulative force recorded in participants in which gas bubble inception took place during manipulation was 5.7 kg, and in those with no gas bubble inception was 12 kg. There was a significant difference between the mean traction force applied to those with and to those without a gas bubble appearance (p < 0.001; t-test). Conclusion: No significant differences were observed between the cavitation and non-cavitation groups for the joint surface separation and synovial membrane movement at various stages of manipulation. A significant association was established between the audible release of a joint that was manipulated and the appearance of intra-articular gas bubbles or micro-bubbles. The mean traction force that was required to cause cavitation was significantly lower than the force to which joints with no cavitation were tensioned. The findings concur with those of previous studies that cavitation is a necessary component of joint manipulation.

In acknowledging past abuses of humans in research contexts, and recognising the potential for malpractices in Human Movement Studies (HMS), this study evaluated the extent to which ethical issues are addressed in the discipline. The primary method consisted of the standard techniques of philosophic analysis, with empirical data complementing the conclusions. In general, the study contends that insufficient attention is paid to ethical issues in HMS research. In response to a set of specifically constructed, ethically problematic research proposals, only 1.8% of comments from senior researchers advocated rejection of the proposals on ethical grounds. Also, a journal search indicated that consideration of ethical issues in published research may largely be absent. Questionnaire responses revealed that South African HMS departments may be deficient in terms of accountability towards ethical guidelines. Whilst noting the existence of utilitarian ethics in HMS research, it is advocated that deontologic principles should take precedence. Further, only a sound educative effort will produce improvements. In conclusion, this study advocates a deontology-based approach to research ethics. This is consistent with the contention that the use of humans in research is a privilege, and that the rights of participants ought to outweigh the desire of researchers to conduct research.

The transition from cycling to running has been identified as one of the key determinants of success in triathlon, as it has been suggested that the cycle may affect subsequent running efficiency such that running performance is significantly altered or reduced. It is also suggested that athletes more adapted to the transition itself, rather than purely running or cycling, may be more efficient during the post-cycle running bout. The current study sought to investigate the effects of prior cycling on subsequent selected biomechanical, physiological and perceptual responses of three different athlete groups. Subjects were selected on the basis of their sporting background, and were divided into three groups – triathletes, cyclists and runners. Experimentation required subjects to perform a seven minute treadmill running protocol at 15km.h⁻¹, during which biomechanical (EMG, Stride rate, Stride length, Vertical acceleration), physiological (HR, VO₂, EE) and perceptual (RPE) responses were recorded. After resting, subjects were required to perform a twenty minute stationary cycle at 70% of maximal aerobic power (previously determined), immediately followed by a second seven minute treadmill running protocol during which the same data were collected and compared to those collected during the first run. Biomechanical responses indicate that the cycle protocol had no effect on the muscle activity or vertical acceleration responses of any of the three subject groups, while the triathlete group significantly altered their gait responses in order to preserve running economy. The triathlete group was the least affected when considering the physiological responses, as running economy was preserved for this group. The runner and cyclist groups were significantly affected by the transition, as running economy decreased significantly for these groups. Perceptual responses indicate that athletes more experienced with the transition may find the transition from cycling to running to be easier than those inexperienced in this transition. It is apparent that a high intensity cycle protocol has limited statistical impact on selected biomechanical responses, while physiological and perceptual responses were altered, during a subsequent run, regardless of athlete type. That said, the ability of transition-trained athletes to transition comfortably between disciplines was highlighted, which may have important performance implications.