Stress Study

Stress was first found to influence the human brain in 1968 through a study done on rodents that discovered that hormones could affect not only the peripheral nervous system but also the central nervous system. Since then, it has been found that brain function can become greatly inhibited when people are under various amounts of stress. Regions of the brain responsible for higher level executive function, such as the prefrontal cortex, are often the first regions of the brain demonstrating impairment, which can manifest as decrements in thinking, planning, and even behavior. This is a growing concern considering in 2020, the American Psychological Association reported that nearly half of all US adults say that stress has negatively affected their behavior.

To help investigate the relationship between stress and the brain-body connection, Life University is conducting a clinical trial evaluating the response of the brain and heart to a chiropractic adjustment and comparing that to individual stress levels. Individuals may participate in this study if they are:

  • Individuals between the ages of 18 and 40
  • Individuals who can wear an EEG cap for 40 minutes
  • Individuals who can sit quietly for at least 15 minutes
  • Individuals who have not had a chiropractic adjustment within the last two weeks
  • Individuals who have not received any other interventions, such as osteopathic spinal manipulation, physical therapy rehabilitation or manipulation, massage, body movement therapies or acupuncture within the last 2 weeks.

The study will involve two visits to the Center for Chiropractic Research in midtown Atlanta, GA that are one week apart. Each session will consist of non-invasive recordings of brain activity (electroencephalography) and heart rhythms (electrocardiography) along with self-report assessments regarding stress. Qualified individuals will receive a chiropractic adjustment at their first visit and can earn $50 for full completion of the study.

For more information or to see if you qualify, contact the Center for Chiropractic Research at research.studies@LIFE.edu or scan the QR code below.