Assessment of Zink Test Effectiveness as Measure of Perceived Stress in a General Population
a Cross-Sectional Study
Abstract
Zink test is a diagnostic tool commonly used in the osteopathic field, whose aim is to evaluate the alternating fascial motion preference at transitional areas of the body. These regions are anatomically and functionally related both to spine junctions (C0-C1, C7-D1, D12-L1, L5-S1) and actual or functional transverse diaphragms (tentorium cerebelli, upper thoracic outlet, respiratory diaphragm, pelvic diaphragm). The presence of a compensated pattern usually suggests a low allostatic load, while an uncompensated pattern would be frequently detected among hospitalized patients or those who have an allostatic overload according to Zink. The aim of the study is to assess the possible correlation between Zink fascial patterns and the stress level perceived by the patient. Methods: 53 male and female participants, older than 18 years, were included in the study sample. They have been subjected first to stress assessment through the administration of the perceived stress scale 10-items questionnaire (PSS10). A blinded operator has then performed the Zink test in order to assess the alternating fascial motion preference at transitional areas of each partecipant. The study was conducted in a observer-blinded fashion in order to prevent any conscious or unconscious expectancy effect. The study shows a lack of significant correlation between Zink fascial motion preference patterns and the stress degree perceived by the patient. Results seem to suggest a poor reliability for Zink test as a measure of psychoemotional stress and associated allostatic load. Future studies should examine the correlation between Zink test patterns and the allostatic load using alternative tools and parameters able to reliably objectify stress, such as the salivary cortisol measurement or the Heart Rate Variability. Alternatively, it might be interesting to investigate the value of the Zink test as an osteopathic diagnostic tool in the assessment of chronic pain and central sensitization, through its potential association with medically unexplained symptoms.References
Defeo, G., Hicks, L., (1993). A description of the common compensatory pattern in relationship to the osteopathic postural examination. Dynamic Chiropractic 24:11.
Zink, J.G., (1973). Applications of the osteopathic holistic approach to homeostasis. Am. Acad. Appl. Osteopath. Yearb. 37-47.
Zink, J.G., Lawson, W.B., (1979). An osteopathic structural examination and functional interpretation of the soma. Osteopath. Ann. 7:12-9.
Lunghi, C., Fusco, G., Tozzi, P., (2015). I cinque modelli osteopatici. Edra.
Kuchera, W., Kuchera M., (1993). Osteopathic Principles in Practice, Rev. 2nd Edit. Columbus: Greyden Press. pp. 46-47.
Pope, R.E., (2005). The common compensatory pattern: its origin and relationship to the postural model. Amer. Acad. Osteopath. J. 14:19- 40.
Zink, J.G., (1977). Respiratory and circulatory care: the conceptual model. Osteopath Ann; 5(3): 108-112.
TePoorten, BA., (1988). The common compensatory pattern. The Journal of the New Zealand Register of Osteopaths; 2:17-19.
Selye, H., (1950). Stress and the General Adaptation Syndrome. British Medical Journal, June 17, pag. 1383-1392.
Selye, H., (1956). The stress of life. New York, NY, US: McGraw-Hill. pag 1-35.
Roberti, J., Harrington, L., & Storch, E. (2006). Further psychometric support for the 10-item version of the perceived stress scale. Journal of College Counseling, 9(2), 135–147.
D’Alessandro, G., Cerritelli, .F & Cortelli, P. (2016). Sensitization and Interoception as Key Neurological Concepts in Osteopathy and Other Manual Medicines. Front. Neurosci. 10:100.
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
