Thoracic Spinal Manipulation in Stroke

Effects of Thoracic Spinal Manipulation on Balance, Fall Risk, and Thoracic Mobility in Patients With Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Crossover Trial

The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of thoracic spinal manipulation on balance, fall risk, and thoracic mobility of the patients with chronic stroke.

The study, utilizing a randomized crossover design, is planned to be conducted on a minimum of 26 patients with stroke who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Patients included in the study will be randomly assigned to receive both placebo thoracic spinal manipulation and thoracic spinal manipulation interventions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Having chronic stroke,
• A Mini-Mental State Examination score of 24 or higher,
• Ability to stand independently for 20 seconds or more,
• Ability to walk independently for 10 meters, using assistive devices or orthoses if necessary,
• Being between 40 and 75 years of age,
• Having a Brunnstrom stage of 4 or above

Exclusion Criteria:

• History of whiplash injury,
• Diagnosis of fibromyalgia,
• History of spinal manipulation treatment within the previous 2 months,
• History of cervical or thoracic fracture or dislocation,
• History of cervical or thoracic spine surgery,
• Diagnosis of cervical radiculopathy or myelopathy,
• Presence of serious spinal pathology,
• Presence of any orthopedic or neurological disorder other than stroke, or an unstable cardiac condition,
• Presence of a vestibular disorder,
• The presence of lower extremity ulceration or amputation,
• Alcohol consumption in the last 24 hours,
• Posterior circulation stroke involving the basilar artery or cerebellum,
• Having experienced an acute lower extremity injury in the last six weeks,
• History of lower extremity surgery