The Effects of Chiropractic on Cancer-related Fatigue

The Effects of Chiropractic Care on Adults With Chronic Cancer-related Fatigue: a Pilot Trial

The goal of this randomized controlled study is to investigate the impact of chiropractic care on CCRF (Chronic Cancer Related Fatigue) and other health-related challenges that burden cancer survivors.

To our knowledge, the impact of chiropractic care on CCRF and other health-related challenges that burden cancer survivors has yet to be investigated. Because this is a pilot trial, the primary outcomes center around feasibility and include 1) randomization, 2) compliance, 3) tolerability, 4) adherence, and 5) retention in each arm. Secondary outcomes include changes in patient-reported outcomes (PROs), electrocardiography (ECG) derived heart rate variability (HRV), impedance cardiography (ICG) derived pre-ejection period (PEP), and number of completed sit-to-stands.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-65 years of age.
• Self-report that they have been informed by their primary health care provider that they are cancer-free (this is sometimes referred to as 'complete remission' or 'cured').
• Minimum of 3 months since the completion of their primary curative-intent cancer therapies including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or immunotherapy (long-term hormone therapy permitted)
• Scores in the moderate-to-severe range (i.e., at or above the 60th percentile) on the FACIT-Fatigue scale.
• Fatigue onset was at some point during their illness/treatment & negatively impacts their quality of life & daily functioning.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Chiropractic care within the past 2 weeks
• Taking short-acting benzodiazepines which include midazolam/Versed & triazolam/Halcion.
• Taking GLP-1 medications
• Taking other types of prescription medications (including hormone therapy) and hasn't been on a stable dose for a minimum of 6 weeks with plans to change medications or doses during the study.
• Disorders that cause fainting during rapid postural changes (e.g., POTS, orthostatic hypotension).
• Not able to make a fist or grip objects with one or both hands
• Deaf in one or both ears (hearing aids are ok)
• Heart conditions, including pacemakers, which impact heart function
• Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, or medically diagnosed cervical spine instability.
• Current litigation related to a physical, health-related injury.
• Pregnant