Analysis of biomechanical characterization of the thumb rubbing method

BACKGROUND: : Thumb rubbing is one of the widely accepted massage techniques, owing to its simple and effective operation. Exploring the biomechanical characteristics of the thumb rubbing method can assist the understanding of the operating characteristics of manipulation, thereby improvising the therapeutic role of manipulation. OBJECTIVE: To study the kinematic and kinetic characteristics of the thumb kneading method from the biomechanical point of view, and to quantitatively analyze the key points of thumb kneading operation. METHODS: We explored the biomechanical characteristics of the thumb kneading operation by an analysis of the parameters scored by the experts and students using the “thumb kneading data glove and data collection system”. RESULTS: (1) Force trajectory: The expert group showed a regular force trajectory compared to the student group, with a stable thumb suction position, small drift and concentrated force. (2) Force value: The average force value of the expert group was concentrated in the range 0.614 [Formula: see text] 0.041 kg, while the average force value of the student group was concentrated in the range 0.650 [Formula: see text] 0.146 kg and the difference was not statistically significant. (3) Frequency: The frequency of the expert group was mainly concentrated in the range 134.280 [Formula: see text] 39.106 times/min, while that of the student group was 66.04 [Formula: see text] 23.651 times/min, ([Formula: see text] 0.05). (4) Period: The operation cycle during the thumb kneading of the expert and student groups was mainly concentrated in the range of 0.476 [Formula: see text] 0.117 s and (0.990 [Formula: see text] 0.259) s, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ([Formula: see text] 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that the technical operation of the expert group was more stable and standardized than that of the student group. It was found that the force value was inversely proportional to the frequency of the operation. In the “circular rotation” operation of the thumb rubbing method, the force value conversion degree of different parts of the thumb reflected the motion trajectory. Furthermore, the “circular rotation” operation performed by the expert group was better than the student group. The study of the parameters, including the angle of frequency, period and force value can reflect the biomechanical characteristics of thumb rubbing method to a significant extent.