Chiropractic Spinal Adjustment Increases the Cortical Drive to the Lower Limb Muscle in Chronic Stroke Patients

Conclusion: The study results suggest that a single session of chiropractic spinal adjustment increases the corticomotor excitability in chronic stroke survivors by increasing the TA MEPs. Along with the previous findings, it can be postulated that such changes in corticospinal excitability improve muscle strength efficiency and function. Future studies should investigate the long-term effects of the adjustment in different stages and types of stroke for a better understanding of the impact of chiropractic care on stroke rehabilitation.

Comment: This was a small exploratory study (29 participant sample size) and involved just one session of a HVLA chiropractic spinal adjustment in specifically chronic stroke patients. The adjustments were applied to dysfunctional spinal segments as found by based on the clinical indicators of spinal and pelvic dysfunction (i.e. manual palpation for joint tenderness, restricted intersegmental range of movement, asymmetric intervertebral muscle tension, and blocked joint play or end-feel of the joints. ). There was no HLVA thrust in the control group. The findings demonstrate a neuropsychological finding, but of unknown clinical implications.  However, a previous study by Holt found improvements in motor function following 4 weeks of chiropractic spinal adjustments in chronic stroke patients.

Navid, Muhammad Samran & Niazi, Imran & Lelic, Dina & Amjad, Imran & Kumari, Nitika & Shafique, Muhammad & Holt, Kelly & Rashid, Usman & Drewes, Asbjørn & Haavik, Heidi. (2022). Chiropractic Spinal Adjustment Increases the Cortical Drive to the Lower Limb Muscle in Chronic Stroke Patients. Frontiers in Neurology. 12. 10.3389/fneur.2021.747261.

Holt K, Niazi IK, Amjad I, Kumari N, Rashid U, Duehr J, et al. The effects of 4 weeks of chiropractic spinal adjustments on motor function in people with stroke: a randomized controlled trial. Brain Sci. (2021) 11:676. doi: 10.3390/brainsci11060676

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