Key result
In a single patient case study, chiropractic spinal adjustments produced the best improvements in autonomic function when pre-adjustment resting heart rate was ≥86 BPM and heart rate variability was ≤26 ms.
Why the study?
Timing of an intervention is an important part of quality clinical care, including chiropractic care.
Does timing chiropractic spinal adjustment according to heart rate measures improve post-adjustment results?
Case Report (n=1)
No
Does timing chiropractic spinal adjustment according to heart rate measures improve post-adjustment results?
Timing chiropractic adjustments based on pre-adjustment resting heart rate and heart rate variability may optimize post-adjustment outcomes.
May support heart rate-guided timing of chiropractic adjustments when baseline values are worse; leaves open efficacy in prospective trials.
Timing of an intervention is an important part of quality clinical care, including chiropractic care. In this case study the heart rate tests of resting heart rate (RHR) and heart rate variability (HRV) were used as outcome measure and for determining when to administer a chiropractic spinal adjustment. Optimal post-adjustment results were observed when the tests showed worse pre-adjustment values. Further application in other patients is planned.
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John Hart (2020) conducted a case report in Headaches and neck pain (n=1). Chiropractic spinal adjustment was evaluated on Resting heart rate (RHR) and heart rate variability (HRV). In a single patient case study, chiropractic spinal adjustments produced the best improvements in autonomic function when pre-adjustment resting heart rate was ≥86 BPM and heart rate variability was ≤26 ms.
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