Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
Purpose: The aim of the study was to describe the effect of chiropractic manipulation of the
thoracic spine on brain quantitative electro encephalogram (qEEG) readings.
Method: A descriptive design following a case series approach was used to record changes in
qEEG readings before and after a chiropractic manipulation. The study took place at the
University of Johannesburg’s Doornfontein campus, in the Chiropractic clinic. The study
comprised of 10 participants with thoracic motion restrictions. The brainwave activity of each
participant was measured and recorded using the qEEG. A pre- manipulation reading was
taken, which comprised of the measurement of the participants’ brain wave activity with their
eyes open and then with their eyes closed. A post-manipulation reading was taken immediately
after, also measured with eyes open and then eyes closed. Thirty minutes later a second post
manipulation reading was taken, measured with eyes open and then eyes closed. The data
was converted into mean values of the brain waves, delta, theta, alpha and beta. The results
were analysed and described to find the relationship between the manipulation and the
different areas of the brain with its associated brain wave activity.
Results: Changes of particular interest were found across all three lobes. Alpha and delta
wave changes in the parietal lobe were indicative of a relaxed and reflective state in
participants. Changes in the delta and beta waves in the temporal and frontal lobe also showed
the manipulations potential to increase the relaxed state in participants. Although, it should be
noted that throughout the trial participants were in lying down in a quiet and un-stimulatory
environment, which may also have contributed to the changes demonstrated.
Conclusion: This study fully describes 10 participants and the manipulation effect on qEEG.
Based on the results, chiropractic manipulation of the thoracic spine does have an effect on
qEEG readings. However the motivation behind the results remain inconclusive. A larger group
of participants are needed and the variables need to be more controlled to make a definite
conclusion and allow for statistical analysis.