Abstract
M.Tech. (Chiropractic)
Purpose: To determine the effect of chiropractic manipulation, combined with targeted exercises, on balance.
Method: Thirty participants were divided into two groups of fifteen: an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group received chiropractic manipulation to restricted joints in the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joints, as well as a 45-minute pilates-based targeted exercise class once per week for six weeks. The control group did not receive any intervention. Both groups had their balance assessed three times using the Biodex Balance System SD: once before the study started, for a second time halfway through the study (prior to treatment for the participants in the experimental group), and a final measurement when the trials had been completed.
Results: With regards to the clinical analysis of the results, both the experimental and control groups showed an improvement in their balance performance, with a larger improvement occurring in the experimental group. The experimental group showed a progressive improvement from measurement to measurement, whereas the control group showed a dramatic improvement from the first to the second measurements, with the difference between the second to the third measurement ranging from a very small improvement to a worsened performance. When analysed individually, both groups showed significant improvement between measurements, with the experimental group showing more statistically significant readings. However, no statistically significant difference was found when comparing the scores of the two groups to one another.
Conclusion: As there was no statistically significant difference between the performances of the two groups, no conclusion can be made as to whether or not the combination of targeted exercise classes and chiropractic manipulation has any effect on balance. The small sample size also does not allow a generalisation of these results to the broader public. However, it is possible that with certain methodological changes, significant results may be seen.