Chiropractic effects on abdominal obesity

Psychoneuroimmunology as a Framework for Studying the Effects of Chiropractic Care in a Population With High Central Adiposity: a Feasibility Trial

Not applicable Interventional Life University · NCT06208163

This study is testing whether chiropractic care can help adults with high abdominal fat improve their health and well-being over six weeks.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorLife University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Marietta, Georgia)
Trial IDNCT06208163 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the impact of chiropractic care on individuals with high central adiposity, specifically targeting those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher. The study will recruit up to 20 participants aged 18-65, who will undergo a series of assessments including physical measurements, cognitive function tests, and immune marker analysis. Participants will receive chiropractic adjustments over a six-week period, with evaluations conducted at baseline, after two weeks, and after six weeks of treatment. The goal is to explore potential improvements in psychoneuroimmunological outcomes associated with abdominal obesity.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18-65 with a BMI of 30 or higher and specific waist circumference measurements.

Not a fit: Patients who have received chiropractic care within the past 30 days or have certain medical conditions that affect their participation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a non-invasive treatment option to improve psychological and immune health in individuals with abdominal obesity.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited rigorous investigation into chiropractic's effects on psychoneuroimmunological outcomes in this population, preliminary evidence suggests potential benefits, making this approach novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-65 years of age
* Body mass index (BMI) at least 30
* Waist circumference at least 35 inches if female or 40 inches if male

Exclusion Criteria:

* Had chiropractic care within the past 30 days
* Prescribed short-acting benzodiazepines which include midazolam \& triazolam
* If taking prescription medications, other than short-acting benzodiazepines, not on a stable dose for a minimum of 6 weeks with plans to change medications or doses during the study
* Not able to walk unassisted on a treadmill
* Known disorder resulting in syncope/fainting during postural changes (e.g., POTS, orthostatic hypotension)
* Pacemaker or known heart condition that influences the electrical or mechanical function of the heart (e.g., severe heart valve disease)
* Diagnosed with externalizing (e.g., substance use, antisocial disorder) or thought (e.g., schizophrenia, paranoid personality, bipolar) disorder that is uncontrolled or untreated
* Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, or cervical spine instability
* Hearing impairment (cognitive task uses auditory stimuli)
* Currently pregnant
* Current litigation related to a physical, health-related injury
* Whiplash injury in the past 3 months
* Oral injury, inflammation, or disease that causes the mouth or gums to bleed easily

Where this trial is running

Marietta, Georgia

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Abdominal Obesityabdominal obesityadultspsychoneuroimmunologychiropractic
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.