the effects of chiropractic in a population with high central adiposity

Conditions: Abdominal Obesity

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.

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.

Eligibility criteria:
inclusion criteria: * 18-65 years of age * body mass index (bmi) at least 30 * waist circumference at least 35 inches if female or 40 inches if male exclusion criteria: * had chiropractic care within the past 30 days * prescribed short-acting benzodiazepines which include midazolam \& triazolam * if taking prescription medications, other than short-acting benzodiazepines, not on a stable dose for a minimum of 6 weeks with plans to change medications or doses during the study * not able to walk unassisted on a treadmill * known disorder resulting in syncope/fainting during postural changes (e.g., pots, orthostatic hypotension) * pacemaker or known heart condition that influences the electrical or mechanical function of the heart (e.g., severe heart valve disease) * diagnosed with externalizing (e.g., substance use, antisocial disorder) or thought (e.g., schizophrenia, paranoid personality, bipolar) disorder that is uncontrolled or untreated * diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, or cervical spine instability * hearing impairment (cognitive task uses auditory stimuli) * currently pregnant * current litigation related to a physical, health-related injury * whiplash injury in the past 3 months * oral injury, inflammation, or disease that causes the mouth or gums to bleed easily

Keywords: abdominal obesity adults psychoneuroimmunology chiropractic