Immediate effects of chiropractic thoracic manipulations on the autonomic nervous system

Received: 01-Oct-2019 Accepted Date: Oct 23, 2019 ; Published: 30-Oct-2019

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Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study is to investigate the immediate effects of chiropractic thoracic manipulations on the autonomic nervous system through heart rate variability data. The study includes 30 healthy individuals and thoracic spine physical examinations were performed before the application of the chiropractic thoracic manipulations. The 30 participants were randomly divided into two groups: an experimental group and a placebo group. Thoracic manipulations were applied after 5 minute Heart Rate Variability (HRV) measurement of each 15 individuals in the experimental group via the eMotion Faros device. The 15 participants in the placebo group were also subjected to the same measurements and analyses before sham manipulations. The measurements were then repeated after the manipulations for the two groups. Consequently, the data obtained by these measurements was evaluated by the Kubios HRV analysis software.

Result: As a result of the measurements and analyses, significant decreases were found in the parasympathetic nervous system activity (RMSSD, HF power, PNS index, pNN50 values decreased) for participants in the experimental group, while there were significant increases in the sympathetic nervous system activity (LF power, SNS index, stress index values increased) (p<0,05). In placebo group there was no change for all the parameters (p>0,05).

Conclusion: In conclusion, it is observed that thoracic chiropractic manipulation has an immediate effect on the autonomic nervous system activity.