From sports injuries to athletic performance, chiropractic care may very well be the key to maximizing recovery time and lessening the damage caused. New research supports this link, and has much to say about chiropractic care and muscle function.
The research released by the New Zealand College of Chiropractic’s Centre for Chiropractic Research shows that when administered after injury, a spinal chiropractic adjustment session could increase an individual’s ability to contract their leg muscles.
Their research goes on to show that just one adjustment can increase electrical activity in the muscles by nearly 60% and absolute force measurements by 16%. Additionally, researchers discovered a 45% increase in the ‘drive” from the brain to the muscle, and a smaller shift in the H reflex curve (spinal cord excitability).
Dr. Heidi Haavik, a chiropractor and Director of Research at the NZCC stated that, “The results of the study [indicate] that spinal adjustments can prevent fatigue, so we recommend chiropractic care to be a part of medical treatment for patients that have lost tonus of their muscles.”
Dr. Haavik also stated that the results of this research would be of particular interest to sports athletes, but further studies are necessary to show how they could benefit in this arena as well.
No doubt, this research lends itself to the power of chiropractic care, especially when addressing aspects of sensorimotor integration. Much of the NZCC’s research has become known thanks to the new Spinal Research Partnership Scheme. Regardless, the evidence is powerful.
Improving muscle function and decreasing fatigue are two very important aspects for athletes and those who suffer from degradation of their nerve function. Thanks to this new research, more doctors will suggest chiropractic care to their patients and perhaps open up a new realm of research for doctors.
Chiropractic care plays an important part in your general wellness. At Vital Health Chiropractic in Moon Townhsip, PA we pride ourselves on getting to know our patients and how we can help them best! Stop in today for a free consultation or contact us to learn more.