Abstract Background Compared to other health professions, the chiropractic profession lacks a substantive research culture and research capacity, including limited involvement of chiropractors and low recruitment in practice-based research. One recommendation is the establishment of Practice-Based Research Networks (PBRN). This research aimed to explore the feasibility and models of PBRNs informing recommendations for the UK and the wider chiropractic profession. Methods Qualitative interviews with key stakeholders explored potential barriers and opportunities of PBRNs in the UK chiropractic setting. Participants included UK chiropractors, UK academics, representatives from organisations in the UK, and international researchers who had developed or utilised PBRNs. Qualitative findings were analysed using thematic analysis and synthesised with findings of literature on PBRN development, to formalise a model for PBRN development and delivery. Results Thirty stakeholders participated in an interview. Five themes were developed from the synthesis of the qualitative themes and literature. This included: (1) Purpose of PBRNs within chiropractic, (2) Models and organisational structure of PBRNs, (3) Financial support for PBRN sustainability, (4) Enhancing chiropractor engagement, and (5) PBRN sub-study considerations. Participants highlighted the benefits of PBRNs to the profession and identified a series of recommendations around PBRN infrastructure and activities, which were developed into a logic model to support future PBRN development and delivery. Conclusions This study demonstrates the potential benefits of PBRNs in chiropractic, in the UK and internationally. Although several challenges to their development were identified, opportunities and solutions were offered to facilitate a PBRN in the chiropractic context. This research underpins recommendations for the future development, launch and sustainability of PBRNs within the profession in the UK and beyond.
Chiropractic, Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
Abstract Background The International Questionnaire to Measure the Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (I-CAM-Q) is a standardized tool for assessing CAM use. While it has been adapted into several languages, this study presents the first Hungarian translation and cultural adaptation. Given the growing interest in CAM in Hungary, a validated Hungarian version is essential for accurate data collection and informed healthcare policy. Methods The I-CAM-Q was translated into Hungarian using a rigorous forward–backward translation protocol involving expert translators, proofreaders, and a reconciliation panel. The final version was pilot-tested among healthy volunteer healthcare workers from ophthalmology departments. The questionnaires were used to assess clarity, cultural relevance, and reliability in this cross-sectional study. Individuals with diagnosed eye diseases were excluded. Results Among ophthalmologically healthy volunteers, 77.8% consulted physicians in the past 12 months, while 8.9% visited chiropractors and spiritual healers, and 2.2% consulted acupuncturists. In the past 3 months, physicians remained the most consulted (73.7%), followed by chiropractors (53.3%). CAM therapies were mainly used for general well-being and acute conditions, with high satisfaction 75–100% of users rated chiropractic, acupuncture, and spiritual healing as “very useful.” Phytomedicines were used primarily for acute illness (41.7%) and general well-being (27.1%), with 68.1% of users rating them as very useful. Dietary supplements were widely consumed, especially Vitamin D (62.9%) and Vitamin C (57.1%), mainly for prevention (46.2%) and general health (38.5%). Meditation and relaxation techniques were also commonly practiced, with 92.3% and 69.2% of users, respectively, rating them as very useful. Conclusions The Hungarian version of the I-CAM-Q was successfully translated, culturally adapted, and validated. It provides a reliable tool for assessing CAM use in Hungary and supports further research into CAM practices and their integration into healthcare.
Brian C. Coleman, Sidney M. Rubinstein, Stacie A. Salsbury
et al.
Abstract Background The Global Patient Safety Action Plan, an initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO), draws attention to patient safety as being an issue of utmost importance in healthcare. In response, the World Federation of Chiropractic (WFC) has established a Global Patient Safety Task Force to advance a patient safety culture across all facets of the chiropractic profession. This commentary aims to introduce principles and call upon the chiropractic profession to actively engage with the Global Patient Safety Action Plan beginning immediately and over the coming decade. Main text This commentary addresses why the chiropractic profession should pay attention to the WHO Global Patient Safety Action Plan, and what actions the chiropractic profession should take to advance these objectives. Each strategic objective identified by WHO serves as a focal point for reflection and action. Objective 1 emphasizes the need to view each clinical interaction as a chance to improve patient safety through learning. Objective 2 urges the implementation of frameworks that dismantle systemic obstacles, minimizing human errors and strengthening patient safety procedures. Objective 3 supports the optimization of clinical process safety. Objective 4 recognizes the need for patient and family engagement. Objective 5 describes the need for integrated patient safety competencies in training programs. Objective 6 explains the need for foundational data infrastructure, ecosystem, and culture. Objective 7 emphasizes that patient safety is optimized when healthcare professionals cultivate synergy and partnerships. Conclusions The WFC Global Patient Safety Task Force provides a structured framework for aligning essential considerations for patient safety in chiropractic care with WHO strategic objectives. Embracing the prescribed action steps offers a roadmap for the chiropractic profession to nurture an inclusive and dedicated culture, placing patient safety at its core. This commentary advocates for a concerted effort within the chiropractic community to commit to and implement these principles for the collective advancement of patient safety.
Chiropractic, Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
João Paulo Freitas, Leticia Amaral Corrêa, Juliana Valentim Bittencourt
et al.
Abstract Background Clinical practice guidelines recommend spinal manipulation for patients with low back pain. However, the effects of spinal manipulation have contradictory findings compared to placebo intervention. Therefore, this study investigated the immediate effects of lumbar spinal manipulation on pressure pain threshold (PPT) and postural stability in people with chronic low back pain (cLBP). Second, we investigated the immediate effect of lumbar spinal manipulation on pain intensity and the interference of the participant beliefs about which treatment was received in the PPT, postural stability, and pain intensity. Methods A two-arm, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial was performed. Eighty participants with nonspecific cLPB and a minimum score of 3 on the Numeric Pain Rating Scale received one session of lumbar spinal manipulation (n = 40) or simulated lumbar spinal manipulation (n = 40). Primary outcomes were local and remote PPTs and postural stability. Secondary outcomes were pain intensity and participant’s perceived treatment allocation. Between-group mean differences and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) estimated the treatment effect. One-way analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was performed to assess whether beliefs about which treatment was received influenced the outcomes. Results Participants had a mean (SD) age of 34.9 (10.5) years, and 50 (62.5%) were women. Right L5 [between-group mean difference = 0.55 (95%CI 0.19 to 0.90)], left L5 [between-group mean difference = 0.45 (95%CI 0.13 to 0.76)], right L1 [between-group mean difference = 0.41 (95%CI 0.05 to 0.78)], left L1 [between-group mean difference = 0.57 (95%CI 0.15 to 0.99)], left DT [between-group mean difference = 0.35 (95%CI 0.04 to 0.65)], and right LE [between-group mean difference = 0.34 (95%CI 0.08 to 0.60)] showed superior treatment effect in the spinal manipulation group than sham. Neither intervention altered postural stability. Self-reported pain intensity showed clinically significant decreases in both groups after the intervention. A higher proportion of participants in the spinal manipulation group achieved more than two points of pain relief (spinal manipulation = 90%; sham = 60%). The participants’ perceived treatment allocation did not affect the outcomes. Conclusion One spinal manipulation session reduces lumbar pain sensitivity but does not affect postural stability compared to a sham session in individuals with cLPB. Self-reported pain intensity lowered in both groups and a higher proportion of participants in the spinal manipulation group reached clinically significant pain relief. The participant’s belief in receiving the manipulation did not appear to have influenced the outcomes since the adjusted model revealed similar findings.
Chiropractic, Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
Gregory Neil Kawchuk, Steen Harsted, Jan Hartvigsen
et al.
Abstract Background Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) is offered by many health professions, most often by chiropractors. While SMT can be effective for some musculoskeletal disorders, there is no evidence that SMT improves human immunity in a clinically meaningful way. Despite this, we showed previously that Twitter misinformation about chiropractic/SMT improving immunity increased sharply at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we perform a two-year follow-up. Methods We previously employed specialized software (i.e. Talkwalker) to search the entirety of Twitter activity in the months before and after the COVID-19 pandemic was declared (March 11, 2020). In this paper, we conducted follow-up searches over two successive 12 month periods using terms related to SMT, immunity and chiropractic. The resulting tweets were then coded into those promoting/refuting a relation between SMT and immunity (tone) and messaging about chiropractic/interventions (content). Further analyses were performed to subcategorize tweet content, tally likes, retweets and followers, and evaluate refuting tweets and the country of origin. Finally, we created a chronology of Twitter activity superimposed with dates of promoting or refuting activities undertaken by chiropractic organizations. Results Over the 27 month study period, Twitter activity peaked on March 31, 2020 then declined continuously. As in our first paper, our follow-up data showed that (1) the ratio of refuting/promoting tweets remained constant and (2) tweets that refuted a relationship between SMT and immunity were substantially more liked, retweeted and followed than those promoting. We also observed that promoting tweets suggesting that SMT improves immunity decreased more rapidly. Overwhelmingly, promoting tweets originated in the USA while refuting tweets originated in Canada, Europe and Australia. The timing of the decline in peak Twitter activity, together with a parallel decline in tweets claiming that SMT improves immunity, was coincident with initiatives by chiropractic organizations and regulators targeting misinformation. Conclusion Overwhelmingly, Twitter activity during the COVID-19 pandemic focussed on refuting a relation between chiropractic/SMT and immunity. A decline in Twitter activity promoting a relation between SMT and immunity was observed to coincide with initiatives from chiropractic organizations and regulators to refute these claims. The majority of misinformation about this topic is generated in the United States.
Chiropractic, Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
Shunt disconnection is an unreported complication of spinal mobilization and manipulation. We present the case of a young adult who underwent cystoperitoneal (CP) shunt placement for an arachnoid cyst at the age of 6 years. The shunt remained functional during a follow-up period of 11 years. The patient was admitted with headache and diplopia that started after cervical manipulation by a chiropractor. Radiography revealed fracture of the distal catheter and resultant enlargement of the temporosylvian cyst. The patient required replacement of the disconnected tubing caudal to the shunt valve. The distal catheter ruptured immediately below the outlet connector of the valve. The symptoms and signs resolved completely after insertion of a new distal tube into the peritoneum. This case report demonstrates that chiropractic manipulation of the neck may be a cause of tubing breakage in patients with CP shunts.
Milo A Puhan, Lauren Clack, Cesar A Hincapié
et al.
Introduction A patient and public involvement (PPI) project will be embedded within the SALuBRITY pilot trial, a two parallel group, double sham controlled, randomised clinical trial. The study aims to compare the effectiveness of spinal manual therapy and corticosteroid nerve root injections, two methods commonly used to treat patients with lumbar radiculopathy. We aim to gather patients’ and clinicians’ perspectives and involve them in decisions related to the research question and objectives, proposed trial recruitment processes and methods, and proposed outcome measures.Methods and analysis A small group of patients with lived experience of lumbar radiculopathy and primary care clinicians with experience in the treatment of patients with lumbar radiculopathy are involved. An initial kickoff event will prepare and empower the advisors for involvement in the project, followed by semistructured patient group and one-on-one clinician interviews. We will follow the Critical Outcomes of Research Engagement framework for assessing the impact of patient engagement in research. We will summarise and feedback PPI content to the patient and clinician advisors during a member-checking process to ensure accurate interpretation of patient and clinician inputs. Inductive and deductive thematic analysis will be used for the qualitative analysis of the interviews. Two surveys will be completed at different points along the trial to track the advisors’ and researchers’ experiences over the course of the PPI project. Any modifications to the SALuBRITY trial methods due to PPI inputs will be thoroughly documented and recorded in an impact log.Ethics and dissemination The independent research ethics committee of Canton Zurich confirmed that ethical approval for this PPI subproject was not required. PPI results will be disseminated in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences.
Serena Bezdjian, James M. Whedon, Robb Russell
et al.
Abstract Background Primary Spine Care (PSC) is an innovative model for the primary management of patients with spine-related disorders (SRDs), with a focus on the use of non-pharmacological therapies which now constitute the recommended first-line approach to back pain. PSC clinicians serve as the initial or early point of contact for spine patients and utilize evidence-based spine care pathways to improve outcomes and reduce escalation of care (EoC; e.g., spinal injections, diagnostic imaging, hospitalizations, referrals to a specialist). The present study examined 6-month outcomes to evaluate the efficiency of care for patients who received PSC as compared to conventional primary care. We hypothesized that patients seen by a PSC clinician would have lower rates of EoC compared to patients who received usual care by a primary care (PC) clinician. Methods This was a retrospective observational study. We evaluated 6-month outcomes for two groups seen and treated for an SRD between February 01, 2017 and January 31, 2020. Patient groups were comprised of N = 1363 PSC patients (Group A) and N = 1329 PC patients (Group B). We conducted Pearson chi-square and logistic regression (adjusting for patient characteristics that were unbalanced between the two groups) to determine associations between the two groups and 6-month outcomes. Results Within six months of an initial visit for an SRD, a statistically significantly smaller proportion of PSC patients utilized healthcare resources for spine care as compared to the PC patients. When adjusting for patient characteristics, those who received care from the PSC clinician were less likely within 6 months of an initial visit to be hospitalized (OR = .47, 95% CI .23–.97), fill a prescription for an opioid analgesic (OR = .43; 95% CI .29–.65), receive a spinal injection (OR = .56, 95% CI .33–.95), or have a visit with a specialist (OR = .48, 95% CI .35–.67) as compared to those who received usual primary care. Conclusions Patients who received PSC in an academic primary care clinic experienced significantly less escalation of their spine care within 6 months of their initial visit. The PSC model may offer a more efficient approach to the primary care of spine problems for patients with SRDs, as compared to usual primary care.
Chiropractic, Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
The concept of alternative medicine was created by Western medicine to differentiate conventional medicine from medical practices such as traditional Chinese medicine and acupuncture, homeopathy, neural therapy, osteopathic and chiropractic medicine, Ayurvedic medicine, and indigenous traditional medicine, which also have philosophical, scientific, and therapeutic foundations. Unfortunately, over time, the belief that alternative medicine encompasses all medical practices that are not part of conventional medicine has gained ground, causing many inaccuracies and controversies.
Medicine arose from the need for human self-preservation, with health defined as a state of complete well-being and disease as a loss of this state. Over the course of history, various approaches have appeared and some of them have developed into medical systems. Conventional medicine was structured in the West based on existing medical reasoning and focused on modifying disease, resulting in marked conceptual differences with existing medical treatment systems that focused on the individual and on modifying disease processes.
All medical systems have had an impact in various social fields. Likewise, trends and strategies aimed at integrating conventional medicine with other medical systems such as electroacupuncture according to Voll, homotoxicology, electromagnetic polar balance, anthroposophy, sintergenetics, and biophotonics have also emerged. It is now considered that the aim of medicine is to integrate and complement knowledge from different medical approaches within the concept of a single medicine. Taking this into account, this paper aims to clarify the concepts of the different forms of medicine, propose some definitions, and offer a definition of alternative, complementary, and integrative medicine.
Jan Benedikt, Christian J. Malpica-Nieves, Yomarie Rivera
et al.
The interest in astrocytes, the silent brain cells that accumulate polyamines (PAs), is growing. PAs exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antidepressant, neuroprotective, and other beneficial effects, including increasing longevity in vivo. Unlike neurons, astrocytes are extensively coupled to others via connexin (Cx) gap junctions (GJs). Although there are striking modulatory effects of PAs on neuronal receptors and channels, PA regulation of the astrocytic GJs is not well understood. We studied GJ-propagation using molecules of different (i) electrical charge, (ii) structure, and (iii) molecular weight. Loading single astrocytes with patch pipettes containing membrane-impermeable dyes, we observed that (i) even small molecules do not easily permeate astrocytic GJs, (ii) the ratio of the charge to weight of these molecules is the key determinant of GJ permeation, (iii) the PA spermine (SPM) induced the propagation of negatively charged molecules via GJs, (iv) while no effects were observed on propagation of macromolecules with net-zero charge. The GJ uncoupler carbenoxolone (CBX) blocked such propagation. Taken together, these findings indicate that SPM is essential for astrocytic GJ communication and selectively facilitates intracellular propagation via GJs for negatively charged molecules through glial syncytium.
Samantha Quartarone, Jia Lu Lilian Lin, Julia Orkin
et al.
Introduction: A provincial strategy to expand care coordination and integration of care for children with medical complexity (CMC) was launched in Ontario, Canada in 2015. A process evaluation of the roll-out examined the processes, mechanisms of impact, and contextual factors affecting the implementation of the Complex Care for Kids Ontario (CCKO) intervention strategy. Methods: This process evaluation was conducted and analyzed according to the United Kingdom Medical Research Council (UK-MRC) process evaluation framework. To evaluate the implementation of the CCKO intervention, a multi-method study design was used, including semi-structured interviews with 38 key informants and 10 families of CMC involved in CCKO. To further understand implementation details across regional sites, provincial-level implementation plans, and process documents were reviewed. Discussion: Strengths of CCKO included novel collaborations and partnerships between complex care teams, community partners and regional sites. Issues relating to communication and coordination across care sectors created challenges to holistic care coordination objectives. Provincial system fragmentation limited the ability of CCKO to provide seamless care coordination due to the multiple care sectors involved. Conclusion: This study adds to the understanding of the processes involved in a population-level care coordination intervention for CMC. Lessons learned through CCKO can help facilitate reproducibility and necessary adjustments of the intervention in different settings.
Kelsey L. Corcoran, Douglas R. Peterson, Xiwen Zhao
et al.
Abstract Background Increasingly, integrated healthcare systems such as the United States Veterans Health Administration (VHA) are employing chiropractors. However, little is known about chiropractor employee clinical productivity which may be important for resource planning and monitoring care delivery. With its history of delivering chiropractic care and its enterprise-level assessment metrics, the VHA is an ideal setting to study a chiropractic workforce. We aim to assess characteristics of chiropractors employed by the VHA and explore associations between these characteristics and clinical productivity. Methods This was a cross-sectional and serial analyses of VHA administrative data. Characteristics of the chiropractor workforce were evaluated from fiscal year (FY) 2016 to FY2019. Productivity was calculated using the VHA productivity measure, the quotient of an individual’s total work relative value units (wRVUs) per FY divided by the direct clinical full-time equivalent (FTE) worked. A multivariable regression model was used to analyze the association between productivity and characteristics of the chiropractor and VHA facility. Results From FY2016 to FY2019, the number of chiropractor employees increased from 102 to 167. In FY2019, the typical chiropractor employee was male, white, and 45.9 years old with 5.2 years of VHA experience. In FY2019, the VHA chiropractor workforce was 25.1% female, 79% white, and 20.4% Veteran. The productivity measure of a chiropractor was 3040 in FY2019. A higher facility complexity measure, presence of 3 chiropractor employees at a facility, and older age of the providers were the only characteristics studied that had a significant impact on productivity after adjusting for other covariates. Conclusion Provider characteristics and productivity metrics of the VHA chiropractor employee workforce are presented. The productivity measure provides an initial benchmarking that may be relevant to future modeling of chiropractor personnel in VHA and other healthcare systems.
Chiropractic, Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
Rikke Krüger Jensen,1,2 Henrik Hein Lauridsen,1 Andreas Duch Kiilerich Andresen,3 Rune Mygind Mieritz,4 Berit Schiøttz-Christensen,5,6 Werner Vach7,8 1Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; 2Nordic Institute of Chiropractic and Clinical Biomechanics, Odense, Denmark; 3Spine Surgery and Research, Spine Centre of Southern Denmark, University Hospital Lillebaelt, Middelfart, Denmark; 4Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Odense, Odense, Denmark; 5Spine Centre of Southern Denmark, University Hospital Lillebaelt, Middelfart, Denmark; 6Department of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; 7Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; 8Basel Academy, Basel, SwitzerlandCorrespondence: Rikke Krüger JensenDepartment of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, Odense M 5230, DenmarkTel +45 40 41 97 73Email rikkekruger@nikkb.dkPurpose: To develop a self-administered diagnostic screening questionnaire for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) consisting of items with high content validity and to investigate the diagnostic value of the questionnaire and the items.Patients and Methods: A self-reported diagnostic LSS screening questionnaire was developed based on items from the existing literature describing key symptoms of LSS. The screening questionnaire (index test) was to be tested in a cohort of patients with persistent lumbar and/or leg pain recruited from a Danish publicly funded outpatient secondary care spine clinic with clinicians performing the reference test. However, to avoid unnecessary collection of data if the screening questionnaire proved to be of limited value, a case–control design was incorporated into the cohort design including an interim analysis. Additional cases for the case–control study were recruited at two Danish publicly funded spine surgery departments. Prevalence, sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic odds ratio (OR) were calculated for each individual item, and AUC (area under the curve) was calculated to examine the performance of the full questionnaire.Results: A 13-item Danish questionnaire was developed and tested in 153 cases and 230 controls. The interim analysis was not in favour of continuing the cohort study, and therefore, only results from the case–control study are reported. There was a positive association for all items except the presence of back pain. However, the association was only moderate with ORs up to 3.3. When testing the performance of the whole questionnaire, an AUC of 0.72 was reached with a specificity of 20% for a fixed sensitivity of 95%.Conclusion: The items were associated with LSS and therefore have some potential to identify LSS patients. However, the association was not strong enough to provide sufficient accuracy for a diagnostic tool. Additional dimensions of symptoms of LSS need identification to obtain a reliable questionnaire for screening purposes.Keywords: lumbar spinal stenosis, neurogenic claudication, diagnostic screening, questionnaire
Alice Kongsted,1,2 Orla Lund Nielsen,1 Henrik Wulff Christensen,1 Jan Hartvigsen,1,2 Klaus Doktor,1,2 Peter Kent,2,3 Tue Secher Jensen1,2,4 1The Nordic Institute of Chiropractic and Clinical Biomechanics, Odense M 5230, Denmark; 2Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark; 3School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Curtin University, Perth, Australia; 4Diagnostic Centre, Silkeborg Regional Hospital, Silkeborg, DenmarkCorrespondence: Alice Kongsted Email akongsted@health.sdu.dkBackground: Back pain is among the most frequent reasons for care seeking globally. Observational clinical cohorts are useful for understanding why people seek care, the content of that care, and factors related to prognosis. This paper describes the Danish Chiropractic low back pain Cohort (ChiCo) and summarizes the primary characteristics of the population to inform the scientific community of the availability of these data as a resource for collaborative research projects.Methods: Adults seeking chiropractic care for a new episode of non-specific back pain were enrolled at the initial visit and followed up after 2, 13, and 52 weeks, with a subpopulation having weekly follow-ups for 1 year. Patient-reported and clinical-reported data were collected in an electronic database using the REDCap software (REDCap Consortium, projectredcap.org). Variables were chosen to measure pre-defined research domains and questions and to capture information across health constructs deemed relevant for additional research. Non-responders at 13 and 52 weeks were contacted by phone to maximize follow-up data and explore differences on core outcomes between responders and non-responders.Results: A total of 2848 patients (mean age 45 years, 59% men) were included from 10 clinics with 71%, 68% and 64% responding to follow-ups at 2, 13 and 52 weeks, respectively. Most participants (82%) were employed, nearly half reported current LBP for 1– 7 days, and 83% had experienced LBP episodes previously. We did not identify indications of serious attrition bias.Conclusion: We have described the aims and procedures for establishing the ChiCo cohort, characteristics of the cohort, and available information about attrition bias. These data have the potential to be linked, at an individual participant level, to the extensive Danish population-based registries that measure diverse health and social characteristics.Keywords: chiropractic, cohort studies, low back pain, primary care
Greg Kawchuk, Jan Hartvigsen, Steen Harsted
et al.
Abstract Background Social media has become an increasingly important tool in monitoring the onset and spread of infectious diseases globally as well monitoring the spread of information about those diseases. This includes the spread of misinformation, which has been documented within the context of the emerging COVID-19 crisis. Understanding the creation, spread and uptake of social media misinformation is of critical importance to public safety. In this descriptive study, we detail Twitter activity regarding spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) and claims it increases, or “boosts”, immunity. Spinal manipulation is a common intervention used by many health professions, most commonly by chiropractors. There is no clinical evidence that SMT improves human immunity. Methods Social media searching software (Talkwalker Quick Search) was used to describe Twitter activity regarding SMT and improving or boosting immunity. Searches were performed for the 3 months and 12 months before March 31, 2020 using terms related to 1) SMT, 2) the professions that most often provide SMT and 3) immunity. From these searches, we determined the magnitude and time course of Twitter activity then coded this activity into content that promoted or refuted a SMT/immunity link. Content themes, high-influence users and user demographics were then stratified as either promoting or refuting this linkage. Results Twitter misinformation regarding a SMT/immunity link increased dramatically during the onset of the COVID crisis. Activity levels (number of tweets) and engagement scores (likes + retweets) were roughly equal between content promoting or refuting a SMT/immunity link, however, the potential reach (audience) of tweets refuting a SMT/immunity link was 3 times higher than those promoting a link. Users with the greatest influence on Twitter, as either promoters or refuters, were individuals, not institutions or organizations. The majority of tweets promoting a SMT/immunity link were generated in the USA while the majority of refuting tweets originated from Canada. Conclusion Twitter activity about SMT and immunity increased during the COVID-19 crisis. Results from this work have the potential to help policy makers and others understand the impact of SMT misinformation and devise strategies to mitigate its impact.
Chiropractic, Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
Mathieu Picchiottino, Charlotte Leboeuf-Yde, Olivier Gagey
et al.
Résumé Introduction Le système nerveux autonome (SNA) intéresse de nombreux chiropracteurs et thérapeutes manuels car les techniques de manipulation articulaire, e.g. mobilisations ou manipulations de haute vélocité et faible amplitude (HVLA) semblent produire des changements immédiats de l’activité du SNA. La complexité de la littérature sur le sujet justifie une revue critique de la littérature. Objectif Examiner la littérature comparant les changements immédiats d’activité du SNA entre i) différentes techniques de manipulation articulaire appliquées sur le rachis ou les articulations périphériques et ii) une procédure placebo chez des sujets sains ou pathologiques. Méthode Nous avons cherché sur PsycINFO, PEDro jusqu’en décembre 2017 et sur PubMed, Cochrane library, EMBASE, Medline jusqu’en juillet 2018. Les critères d’inclusion étaient: essais randomisés contrôlés par un placebo évaluant l’effet d’une technique de manipulation articulaire sur l’activité du SNA, sans restriction concernant la technique ou la population, mesures de l’activité du SNA réalisées avant, pendant et/ou après l’intervention. La qualité des études était évaluée avec la grille de risque de biais de Cochrane et avec une grille d’évaluation technique. La sélection des études et l’extraction des données étaient effectuées indépendamment par deux chercheurs. Les résultats ont été rapportés narrativement, parfois avec des méta-analyses, en évaluant la certitude du niveau de preuve avec l’approche GRADE de Cochrane. Résultats Nous avons inclus 29 études sur les 2267 trouvées. Il y a des preuves de certitude modérée que les mobilisations (avec une technique d’oscillation) produisent une augmentation bilatérale, immédiate et à court terme de l’activité sympathique cutanée, indépendamment de la région mobilisée. Nous ne savons pas si l’excitation sympathique explique une augmentation de la fréquence respiratoire. Il y a des preuves de faible certitude que la manipulation spinale (HVLA) ainsi qu’une autre technique de mobilisation spinale n’ont pas d’effet sur l’activité autonome mesurée. Conclusion Certaines techniques de mobilisation articulaire produisent probablement une augmentation (statistiquement significative) immédiate et à court terme de l’activité sympathique cutanée comparées à une procédure placebo. Les manipulations spinales (HVLA) pourraient ne pas avoir d’effet immédiat sur l’activité autonome étudiée. Nous n’avons pas remarqué d’effet spécifique en fonction de la zone du traitement. Cette littérature montre des lacunes. Pour cette raison, nous suggérons (vivement) de nouvelles études.
Chiropractic, Diseases of the musculoskeletal system