The effect of a simulated manipulation position on internal carotid and vertebral artery blood flow in healthy individuals.

The simulated manipulation position is one of several premanipulative screening tests recommended to assist in identifying patients at risk of complications from high velocity thrust manipulation of the cervical spine. The effects of this position on blood flow in the vertebral artery has been measured, but not in the internal carotid artery. Fourteen healthy subjects participated in a pre-test post-test single group study to determine the effect of a simulated manipulation position on blood flow in both the internal carotid and vertebral arteries.