Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
Brain hibernation or cerebral dysfunction theory is the diminishing of brain function due to poor blood flow as a result of compression of the vertebral, basilar, internal carotid and subclavian arteries (Buchanan, 2004). Compression is usually due to skeletal malalignment, ligamentous or muscular in origin and correction of this by cervical spine manipulation suggests that the above difficulties may be improved with manipulative and manual techniques (Buchanan, 2005). Thomas and Wood (1992), suggest that there is a correlation between upper cervical adjustments and improved mental function. This has been shown by Shambaugh, Pearlman and Hauck (1991), who showed that after an adjustment, there was an improved brain stem evoked response which indicated that neural messages were travelling through the brain stem quicker or with less delay. Terrett (1993), has proposed that cervical manipulative therapy results in augmented cerebral blood flow, which culminates in hibernating areas of the brain becoming functional again. The higher cognitive skills tend to be affected by the decrease in blood flow. Cognitive skills are vital to the process of learning, spelling and reading. Edublox is a company that has special training programmes to develop these skills to maximise a childs potential.
The aim of this study is to determine the effects of cervical manipulations combined with Edublox training versus Edublox training alone on visual spatial memory. The focus of the study would be to determine whether chiropractic cervical manipulation has a significant effect on mental function and visual memory when combined with Edublox training.
The study will include a total of 34 participants split into two groups, one receiving Edublox training and the other receiving Edublox training combined with cervical spine manipulations. Participants approximately between the ages of ten and thirteen years of age will be included in this study. The manipulation group will receive spinal manipulative therapy followed by both groups receiving the same Edublox training session to limit variation. The participants shall receive an intense program of Edublox training, every day for the duration of five days and the combined group will receive adjustment every other day. The research will be conducted at the premises of Confidence College.
Subjective and objective measurements will be taken at the beginning and at the end of the five days. The subjective measurement will include an Observer Memory Questionnaire – Parent Form that will be completed by the parent of the child based on their view of their child’s memory. The objective measurement will include two sub-tests from the Visual Perceptual Skills Test 3, namely the visual memory (VM) and visual sequential memory (VSM) components.