In 2007, a feasibility study conducted by Cheryl Hawk and colleagues, the potential short-term effects of chiropractic spinal manipulation on reducing the risk of falls in older adults with impaired balance were explored. The study aimed to gather preliminary information crucial for the development of future investigations into the role of chiropractic care in mitigating fall risk within this demographic, as assessed by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS).

Employing a randomized, two-group pretest/posttest design, the study enrolled a target sample size of 10 participants, with 5 individuals assigned to each group. Participants, aged 60 years or older, were required to demonstrate impaired balance, specifically an ability to stand on one leg for less than 5 seconds, and commit to attending all sessions. The study was conducted within the outpatient health center of a chiropractic college.

Out of the 26 individuals who responded to recruitment efforts, 11 were ultimately enrolled in the study: 6 in the chiropractic care (CMT) group and 5 in the supervised exercise (EX) group. However, two participants withdrew from the study upon assignment to the EX group during the baseline visit. Additionally, one participant from the CMT group withdrew in the seventh week due to a fall at home resulting in a leg fracture. Nevertheless, all remaining participants adhered to the treatment protocols.

Notably, both groups exhibited baseline BBS scores indicative of an increased risk of falls, with 5 out of 6 CMT patients and 4 out of 5 EX patients scoring below 45. By the conclusion of the 16-week intervention, 2 participants in the CMT group and 1 out of the remaining 3 participants in the EX group demonstrated BBS scores below 45. Moreover, the study reported one mild and transient adverse event.

In summary, the findings from this preliminary investigation suggest that further exploration into the potential role of chiropractic care in reducing fall risk among older adults with impaired balance is warranted. Despite some dropout rates and minor adverse events, the study demonstrates feasibility and provides a foundation for future research endeavors in this area.

Reference: Hawk, C., Pfefer, M. T., Strunk, R., Ramcharan, M., & Uhl, N. (2007). Feasibility study of short-term effects of chiropractic manipulation on older adults with impaired balance. Journal of chiropractic medicine, 6(4), 121-131.