Research certainly isn’t the only method of proving chiropractic’s value; after all, satisfied patients with clinically verifiable results have done that for more than a century. However, research that supports chiropractic care helps convince other providers, insurance carriers and health care stakeholders of what DCs have known all along: chiropractic works, and not just for back pain.
Two recent studies add to the evidence, with one suggesting chiropractic can improve visual symptoms in mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) patients; and the other revealing improvements in quality of life and other variables in school-aged children receiving chiropractic care.
Effect of Chiropractic Intervention on Oculomotor and Attentional Visual Outcomes in Young Adults With Long-Term Mild Traumatic Brain Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial Read Here
This single-blind, randomized, controlled study involved 50 young adults (ages 18-35) with persistent post-concussion syndrome following mTBI. Patients were randomized to a chiropractic (HVLA adjustments) or active control intervention, with computerized eye-tracker assessment (CEA) outcomes compared pre- and post-intervention. Assessments included egocentric localization, fixation stability, pursuit, saccades, Stroop, and the vestibulo-ocular reflex.
Conclusion: “Chiropractic care in participants with PPCS significantly improved static and dynamic gaze stability, and performance in the Stroop test, compared with a control intervention. These results suggest that chiropractic care can offer a novel avenue for alleviating certain visual and cognitive symptoms in patients with PPCS. It also adds to the growing evidence that suggests that some longstanding PPCS visual symptoms may have a spinal or proprioceptive basis.”
Retrospective Review of Case Records of School-Aged Children Receiving Chiropractic Care Read Here
This retrospective case series reviewed records of patients (ages 5-18) presenting for chiropractic care at a public school chiropractic clinic operated by two practicing chiropractors. Patients received 12 weeks of chiropractic care (manual diversified, Activator instrument-delivered, or both plus Logan Basic), and researchers used questionnaires (which inquired about quality of life, mental health, school, and peer relationships) and neurophysiological scans to assess improvements.
Conclusion: The study “revealed statistically significant improvements following 12 weeks of chiropractic care in several areas. Notably, statistically significant improvements were observed in the health and activity domain and overall score of the PedsQL questionnaire, reflecting enhanced self-reported quality of life related to health and activities. Additionally, significant improvements in the [Strengths and Disabilities Questionnaire) hyperactivity domain were evident following the chiropractic care. These positive changes highlight the potential benefits of chiropractic care in addressing certain aspects of well-being and behavior of school-age children.”
Editor’s Note: Stay tuned for a new column in Dynamic Chiropractic that focuses on the value of chiropractic research, the latest findings from peer-reviewed journals, and their relevance to the practicing chiropractor.
