Evaluating chiropractic spinal therapy for patients with chronic stroke

This study investigated whether chiropractic spinal therapy helped improve movement in patients who had a stroke. This study found that this therapy combined with physical therapy (PT) greatly improved motor function for these patients.

Ischemic stroke occurs when an artery leading to the brain is blocked or narrowed by a blood clot. This is the most common type of stroke. Stroke can result in impaired motor function (movement), negatively impacting the quality of life. Many patients rely on their caregivers to help them with daily activities, such as getting dressed, bathing, and going to the bathroom. This can be challenging for patients and their caregivers. Thus, regaining lost motor function after a stroke is important for recovery.

Chiropractic therapy on the spine may help improve motor function recovery. Studies suggest that this type of therapy can improve muscle strength in patients who had a stroke. The outcomes of long-term chiropractic therapy and whether it can improve the quality of life for patients who had a stroke are unclear.

This study included 63 patients who had a stroke. Patients were divided into two groups. Group A received chiropractic spinal therapy and PT for 4 weeks. Group B received sham (inactive treatment or procedure) spinal therapy and PT for 4 weeks. Motor function and quality of life were measured. Patients were followed up for an average of 8 weeks.

Overall, both groups had significant improvements in motor function. The average motor function test score at the start of the study was 40.9 points. At 4 weeks, this score significantly increased to 64.1 points (Group A) and 58.0 points (Group B). At 8 weeks, the score significantly increased to 64.3 points (Group A) and 59.8 points.

At 4 weeks, patients in Group A scored significantly more points (by 6.1 points) on the motor function test compared to Group B. At 8 weeks, patients in Group A scored 4.5 more points on the motor function test than Group B, but this was not significant.

Quality of life also significantly improved. The average quality of life score at the start of the study was 122.1 points. At 4 weeks, this score significantly increased to 162.5 points (Group A) and 171.7 points (Group B). At 8 weeks, the score significantly increased to 190.6 points (Group A) and 174.0 points (Group B).

This study concluded that chiropractic spinal therapy combined with PT greatly improved motor function for patients who had a stroke. The authors suggest that adding chiropractic care to standard PT can enhance the benefits of PT after a stroke.

This study had a small number of patients and a short follow-up. The patients in this study were all from a single country (Pakistan). Also, 31% of patients were not followed up due to issues with caregiver availability or transportation to the study center. Larger studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm these results.

Talk to your care team about the potential benefits of chiropractic therapy in addition to PT.