To assess the feasibility of a PNI-focused assessment battery in combination with community-based chiropractic care in adults with obesity and explore potential changes in PNI-related outcomes.
Approach:
Participants: Eighteen participants (12 females; mean age 48.7 ± 9.0 years) were enrolled for 6 weeks of chiropractic care.
Assessments: Assessments at baseline, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks included patient-reported outcomes, electrocardiography, impedance cardiography, and saliva collection.
Outcomes: Primary outcomes included eligibility, compliance, tolerability, adherence, and retention; secondary outcomes included changes in PRO scores, heart rate variability, pre-ejection period, and secretory immunoglobulin A.
Key Findings:
The study design is feasible with revisions.
Self-reported autonomic nervous system functioning and perceived stress levels showed the largest within-group improvements.
Interpretation:
No causal inferences can be made from the findings.
Limitations:
Small sample size limits generalizability.
Single-group design does not allow for comparison with a control group.
Conclusion:
Future definitive controlled trials are planned to investigate the efficacy of chiropractic care on PNI-related outcomes in adults with obesity.
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