Effects of chiropractic care on post-concussion syndrome
The Effects of Chiropractic Manual Adjustments on Nervous System Function in Individuals with Post-concussion Syndrome: a Proof of Concept Trial
NA · Life University · NCT06151184
This study is testing whether chiropractic care can help people with post-concussion syndrome feel better by looking at changes in their nervous system over six weeks.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 10 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Life University (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Marietta, Georgia) |
| Trial ID | NCT06151184 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This proof-of-concept trial investigates the impact of manual chiropractic adjustments on the nervous system in individuals suffering from post-concussion syndrome. The study will recruit 10 participants who will receive 6 weeks of chiropractic care, with assessments conducted at baseline, mid-trial, and post-trial. Participants will undergo various evaluations, including electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG), to monitor changes in nervous system function and interlimb symmetry during gait. The trial aims to provide insights into the potential benefits of chiropractic care for this condition.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome or self-identifying as having a concussion with chronic symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients who have received chiropractic adjustments within the last month or do not meet the symptom criteria may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could offer a new therapeutic approach for managing symptoms associated with post-concussion syndrome.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on chiropractic care for post-concussion syndrome, similar studies exploring chiropractic interventions for other conditions have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18 or older * Diagnosed by a physician with post-concussion syndrome OR self-identifies as having a concussion based on responses to the HELPS screening tool * Has at least 3 of the following chronic symptoms at least 3 months since concussion: headache; dizziness; insomnia; fatigue; concentration difficulty; memory difficulty; intolerance to stress, emotions, and alcohol; irritability * Able to understand and communicate in English * Able to make informed decisions without assistance * Can wear an EEG net for 40 minutes * Can sit quietly for at least 15 minutes * Capable of walking on a treadmill at a comfortable pace for 10 minutes consecutively * Capable of moving from a supine to standing to supine position quickly and safely * Able to wear multiple electrodes placed on chest, back, and fingertips * Able to wear multiple sensors placed on head, back, pelvis, hands, arms, and legs * Has not had a chiropractic adjustment within the last one month * Has not received any other interventions within the past one month such as osteopathic spinal manipulation, physical therapy rehabilitation or manipulation, massage, body movement therapies, or acupuncture Exclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with a serious mental disorder such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder * Has malignant hypertension, which is a condition whereby their blood pressure rises suddenly and quickly * Has a known condition that causes syncope with postural changes, such as POTS * Has an implanted device (i.e., pacemaker) * Has a physical disability affecting their gait * Has a history of previous surgery or injury to the musculoskeletal structures or skull in the past three months * Has a prosthetic for any extremity * Has a hearing impairment or uses a hearing aid * History of stroke * Taking short-acting benzodiazepines, which includes midazolam and triazolam * Involved with current litigation related to a physical health-related injury * Untreated diagnosed osteoporosis or articular instability such as atlanto-axial instability * Currently pregnant * Unwilling to wash hair/head and remove hair products, accessories, braids, or wigs for assessment appointments * Deemed high-risk using the Columbia-Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) and referred for further evaluation (assessed at initial session in lab) * Experiences daily/chronic pain \>3 out of 10 on the visual analog scale (VAS)
Where this trial is running
Marietta, Georgia
- Dr. Sid E. Williams Center for Chiropractic Research — Marietta, Georgia, United States (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ahmed Qazi — Life University
- Study coordinator: Daekiara Smith-Ireland, MPH
- Email: research.studies@life.edu
- Phone: 7704262639
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions: Post-Concussion Syndrome, chiropractic care, spinal manipulation, heart rate variability, autonomic nervous system, electroencephalography, interlimb symmetry, impedance cardiography