Do Audible Sounds During a Metacarpophalangeal and Metatarsophalangeal Thrust Manipulation Have an Impact on Intra-Articular Joint Space and Brainwave Activity?

This study supports the tribonucleation theory explaining audible joint manipulation sounds. The manipulation of the MCP II joint resulted in increased Theta wave activity, indicating a state of relaxation, which was larger in the audible group. The MTP II manipulation had decreased cortical effects regardless of the presence of a sound. Despite these findings, the clinical usefulness of audible sounds remains questionable.