The Effects of Chiropractic in a Population With High Central Adiposity — OBE  

Abdominal Obesity Clinical Trial

Official title: Psychoneuroimmunology as a Framework for Studying the Effects of Chiropractic Care in a Population With High Central Adiposity: a Feasibility Trial

Status Not yet recruiting

Clinical Trial Summary

Since 1980, the global prevalence of obesity, commonly defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, has doubled. Importantly, high levels of central adiposity (i.e., abdominal fat) is associated with numerous PNI-related sequelae, including increased levels of psychological distress, cognitive deficits, ANS dysfunction, and immune marker abnormalities. To our knowledge, rigorous investigation of chiropractic's impact on psychoneuroimmunological (PNI)-related outcomes in people with high central adiposity is lacking. Based on limited evidence to date, it is plausible that clinically important PNI-related dysfunctions (e.g., heightened stress levels, executive function impairments, dysautonomia, immune dysregulation) common in this population could be ameliorated via chiropractic care.

Clinical Trial Description

Up to twenty (20) obese individuals (18-65 yrs of age) will be recruited. For our trial, obesity will be indexed as a BMI ≥30 and an elevated waist circumference (i.e., >35 inches for women, >40 inches for men).

Subjects will be asked to do the following…

• Restrict certain behaviors prior to their lab visits which include 1) 3 hours prior abstain from caffeine, brushing your teeth, alcohol-based mouthwash, nicotine, food, & drinking large amounts of liquid very quickly (e.g., chugging a 16 oz bottle of water; sipping water is ok) and 2) 24 hours prior abstain from strenuous exercise, alcohol, & over the counter drugs (e.g., antihistamines, Tylenol, etc.)

• Have their height, weight, and waist circumference measured.

• Drool into a tube for subsequent testing of immune markers (i.e., salivary IgA)

• Have electrodes placed on/around their chest & back to measure respiration, ECG, and impedance cardiography (ICG)

• Perform a postural challenge whereby they lay supine (8 min), stand quickly (3 min), and return quickly to the supine position (3 min).

• Have their cognitive function assessed while walking on a treadmill (dual task).

• Answer questions about their mental, physical, and emotional health.

• Receive 6-weeks of chiropractic adjustments from community-based clinicians.

Assessments will take place at baseline, after 2 weeks of chiropractic, and after 6 weeks of chiropractic. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Abdominal Obesity
• Obesity, Abdominal

• NCT number: NCT06208163
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Life University
• Contact: Austin Garlinghouse
• Phone: 770-426-2639
• Email: research.studies@life.edu
• Status: Not yet recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: February 15, 2024
• Completion date: December 31, 2024