The Effects of Chiropractic in a Population With High Central Adiposity

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

Since 1980, the global prevalence of obesity, commonly defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, has doubled. Importantly, high levels of central adiposity (i.e., abdominal fat) is associated with numerous PNI-related sequelae, including increased levels of psychological distress, cognitive deficits, ANS dysfunction, and immune marker abnormalities. To our knowledge, rigorous investigation of chiropractic's impact on psychoneuroimmunological (PNI)-related outcomes in people with high central adiposity is lacking. Based on limited evidence to date, it is plausible that clinically important PNI-related dysfunctions (e.g., heightened stress levels, executive function impairments, dysautonomia, immune dysregulation) common in this population could be ameliorated via chiropractic care.

Up to twenty (20) obese individuals (18-65 yrs of age) will be recruited. For our trial, obesity will be indexed as a BMI ≥30 and an elevated waist circumference (i.e., >35 inches for women, >40 inches for men).

Subjects will be asked to do the following…

• Restrict certain behaviors prior to their lab visits which include 1) 3 hours prior abstain from caffeine, brushing your teeth, alcohol-based mouthwash, nicotine, food, & drinking large amounts of liquid very quickly (e.g., chugging a 16 oz bottle of water; sipping water is ok) and 2) 24 hours prior abstain from strenuous exercise, alcohol, & over the counter drugs (e.g., antihistamines, Tylenol, etc.)
• Have their height, weight, and waist circumference measured.
• Drool into a tube for subsequent testing of immune markers (i.e., salivary IgA)
• Have electrodes placed on/around their chest & back to measure respiration, ECG, and impedance cardiography (ICG)
• Perform a postural challenge whereby they lay supine (8 min), stand quickly (3 min), and return quickly to the supine position (3 min).
• Have their cognitive function assessed while walking on a treadmill (dual task).
• Answer questions about their mental, physical, and emotional health.
• Receive 6-weeks of chiropractic adjustments from community-based clinicians.

Assessments will take place at baseline, after 2 weeks of chiropractic, and after 6 weeks of chiropractic.

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