The Effects of Chiropractic Adjustment on Inattention, Hyperactivity, and Impulsivity in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Pilot RCT
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Frontiers Media SA
Abstract
Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurobiological disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. We hypothesized that chiropractic adjustments could improve these symptoms by enhancing prefrontal cortex function. This pilot study aimed to explore the feasibility and efficacy of 4 weeks of chiropractic adjustment on inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity in children with ADHD. Methods: 67 children with ADHD were randomly allocated to receive either chiropractic adjustments plus usual care (Chiro+UC) or sham chiropractic plus usual care (Sham+UC). The Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Teacher Rating Scale (VADTRS), Swanson, Nolan and Pelham Teacher and Parents Rating Scale (SNAP-IV), and ADHD Rating Scale-IV were used to assess outcomes at baseline, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Feasibility measures such as recruitment, retention, blinding, safety, and adherence were recorded. Linear mixed regression models were used for data analysis. Results: 56 participants (mean age ± SD: 10.70 ± 3.93 years) were included in the analysis. Both the Chiro+UC and Sham+UC groups showed significant improvements in total and subscale ADHD scores at 4 weeks and 8 weeks. However, there were no significant differences between the two groups. Conclusion: This pilot study demonstrated that it was feasible to examine the effects of chiropractic adjustment when added to usual care on ADHD outcomes in children. While both groups showed improvements, the lack of significant between-group differences requires caution in interpretation due to the small sample size. Further research with larger samples and longer follow-up periods is needed to conclusively evaluate the effects of chiropractic adjustments on ADHD in children.Description
Keywords
ADHD (attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder), ADHD Rating Scale-IV, Nolan and Pelham Teacher and Parents Rating Scale, Swanson, Vanderbilt ADHD Diagnostic Teacher Rating Scale, chiropractic adjustment, pilot RCT, 32 Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, 52 Psychology, Clinical Research, Mental Illness, Pediatric, Clinical Trials and Supportive Activities, Brain Disorders, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Behavioral and Social Science, Mental Health, Mental health, 1701 Psychology, 1702 Cognitive Sciences, 32 Biomedical and clinical sciences, 52 Psychology
Source
Frontiers in Psychology, ISSN: 1664-1078 (Print); 1664-1078 (Online), Frontiers Media SA, 15, 1323397-. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1323397
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© 2024 Amjad, Niazi, Kumari, Duehr, Shehzad, Rashid, Duehr, Trager, Holt and Haavik. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.