The Effect of Spinal Manipulation on Heart Rate Variability in Children With Cerebral Palsy.

The Effect of Spinal Manipulation on Heart Rate Variability in Children With Cerebral Palsy. Randomised Comtrolled Trial

This randomized, sham-controlled crossover trial aims to evaluate the immediate effects of spinal manipulation on heart rate variability in children with cerebral palsy. Each participant will attend four experimental sessions conducted on separate days. In two sessions, spinal manipulation will be performed, and in two sessions, a sham procedure will be applied. The order of interventions will be randomized for each participant. Heart rate variability will be recorded before and after each intervention.

Participants with cerebral palsy will undergo four experimental sessions on separate days in a randomized order. Each session will include either spinal manipulation or a sham intervention. Two sessions will involve spinal manipulation and two sessions will involve sham procedures.

Before and after each intervention, heart rate variability (HRV) will be measured under standardized conditions. The primary HRV parameter analyzed will be RMSSD, a time-domain measure reflecting vagal modulation of heart rate.

The crossover design allows each participant to serve as their own control, reducing inter-individual variability. The study focuses on the immediate autonomic effects of spinal manipulation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Cerebral palsy
• Motor function levels I-III according to GMFCS
• Cooperative behavior

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hyperkinetic forms
• Use of medications affecting autonomic regulation