Stroke Study

Research study: A comparison of chiropractic care response characteristics between post-rehabilitation patients of ischemic versus hemorrhagic stroke

Introduction:

During a stroke, a region of the brain experiences a decrease in blood supply and loss of oxygen. This can happen when the blood supply to the brain becomes blocked (ischemic stroke) or when an artery in the brain leaks or hemorrhages blood (hemorrhagic stroke). A stroke may also be referred to as a cerebrovascular event. Individuals in the United States who have experienced a stroke may be faced with a decline in their quality of life. (1) While the likelihood of dying from a stroke has decreased, the number of individuals living with stroke related disabilities has increased. (2)

One challenge is that the increase in individuals living with chronic symptoms post-stroke has resulted in greater demand for rehabilitative services. (3) Despite advances in acute and rehabilitative care, the quality of life for these patients may remain less than optimal. Complicating recovery and therapeutic intervention success are the differences in pathophysiology and possible long-term cortical and functional implications that result from the different type, severity and location of an individual’s stroke. To address the unique and increasing needs of individuals experiencing symptoms post-stroke, additional insight into how the different types of stroke respond to alternative therapies could be beneficial. (4)

Chiropractic care:

At its core, chiropractic is focused on a natural approach to regaining health, improving spinal neurological function, and optimizing wellness and overall personal performance. Chiropractic is derived from the Greek words cheir (hand) and praxis (action), meaning “done by hand”. As a profession, chiropractic has been practiced for more than a century, but its hands-on methods trace back hundreds – if not thousands – of years. Although its roots are in the United States, chiropractors currently treat patients all over the world and help them to achieve better health. About 35 million people in the U.S. are treated by chiropractors each year, according to the American Chiropractic Association.
(Source: https://handsdownbetter.org/about-chiropractic/)

If you’ve never been to a chiropractor before, you may not know much about them. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health, “Chiropractic is a licensed healthcare profession that emphasizes the body’s ability to heal itself. Treatment typically involves manual therapy, often including spinal manipulation. Other forms of treatment, such as exercise and nutritional counseling, may be used as well.” (Source: https://nccih.nih.gov/health/chiropractic) Manual therapy, also called an adjustment, involves applying a quick thrust to a joint (by hand or through use of an instrument) in order to restore nervous system and joint mechanical function — correcting what chiropractors often refer to as a subluxation.

Study:

The Life University Center for Chiropractic Research is conducting a research study to better understand how 12 weeks of chiropractic care can affect the brain’s electrical patterns and body movement patterns. The study is focused on individuals who have experienced a stroke and are post-rehabilitation. The research will specifically compare the response patterns of those who have had a hemorrhagic stroke with those who have experienced an ischemic stroke.

Individuals may qualify for the study if they are:

• Over the age of 18 years old
• Experienced an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke
• Currently not taking any medications that may alter brain patterns
• After standard medical rehabilitation, have not fully recovered physical and mental abilities post stroke

The study will involve visits to the Life University Center for Chiropractic Research (CCR) in midtown Atlanta. During the 12 weeks of focused care, chiropractic visits could be several times a week depending on the care plan. In addition to the chiropractic care, individuals will receive a physical examination and three follow-up assessments.  The assessments in the CCR will include a non-invasive evaluation of the brain wave patterns using electroencephalography (EEG), completion of a few surveys, and a movement assessment.

Qualified individuals will receive study treatment and care at no cost. For more information or to see if you qualify, please call the CCR at (770)- 426-2639.

References:

1. Hendricks HT, van Limbeek J, Geurts AC, Zwarts MJ. Motor recovery after stroke: a systematic review of the literature. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 2002 Nov; 83(11):1629-37.
2. GBD 2016 Stroke Collaborators. Global, regional, and national burden of stroke, 1990–2016: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016. Lancet Neurol 2019; 18: 439–58.
3. Stinear CM, Lang CE, Zeiler S, Byblow WD. Advances and challenges in stroke rehabilitation. Lancet Neurol. 2020 Apr;19(4):348-60.
4. Vining R, Salsbury S, Cooley W, Gosselin D, Corber L, Goertz C. Patients receiving chiropractic care in a neurorehabilitation hospital: a descriptive study. Journal of Multidisciplinary Healthcare. 2018;11:223-31.