The effects of a single session of chiropractic care on strength, cortical drive, and spinal excitability in stroke patients

Kelly Holt, Imran Khan Niazi, Rasmus Wiberg Nedergaard, Jens Duehr, Imran Amjad, Muhammad Shafique, Muhammad Nabeel Anwar, Harrison Ndetan, Kemal S Turker, Heidi Haavik

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)
170 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate whether a single session of chiropractic care could increase strength in weak plantar flexor muscles in chronic stroke patients. Maximum voluntary contractions (strength) of the plantar flexors, soleus evoked V-waves (cortical drive), and H-reflexes were recorded in 12 chronic stroke patients, with plantar flexor muscle weakness, using a randomized controlled crossover design. Outcomes were assessed pre and post a chiropractic care intervention and a passive movement control. Repeated measures ANOVA was used to asses within and between group differences. Significance was set at p < 0.05. Following the chiropractic care intervention there was a significant increase in strength (F (1,11) = 14.49, p = 0.002; avg 64.2 ± 77.7%) and V-wave/Mmax ratio (F(1,11) = 9.67, p = 0.009; avg 54.0 ± 65.2%) compared to the control intervention. There was a significant strength decrease of 26.4 ± 15.5% (p = 0.001) after the control intervention. There were no other significant differences. Plantar flexor muscle strength increased in chronic stroke patients after a single session of chiropractic care. An increase in V-wave amplitude combined with no significant changes in H-reflex parameters suggests this increased strength is likely modulated at a supraspinal level. Further research is required to investigate the longer term and potential functional effects of chiropractic care in stroke recovery.

Original languageEnglish
Article number2673
JournalScientific Reports
Volume9
Issue number1
Number of pages10
ISSN2045-2322
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 25 Feb 2019

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