Patient Perceptions Following a Single Session of Simulated or Genuine HVLA Manual Chiropractic Adjustments

The primary aim of this trial is to assess blinding following simulated/sham or genuine/real high velocity, low amplitude (HVLA) manual chiropractic adjustments. Briefly, 30 eligible participants will be randomized (1:1 ratio) to receive a single session of either simulated/sham or genuine/real chiropractic spinal adjustments and be given a brief survey immediately following their session and 48 hours later that captures their perceptions and experiences regarding the intervention they received. This study is intended to inform a future multi-session, randomized, sham-controlled trial.

• Chiropractic adjustment (Procedure): A single-session of genuine/real high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) manual chiropractic adjustments to various regions of the spine (i.e., cervical, thoracic, lumbo-pelvic)
• Sham adjustment (Procedure): A single-session of simulated/sham high-velocity, low-amplitude (HVLA) manual chiropractic adjustments to various regions of the spine (i.e., cervical, thoracic, lumbo-pelvic)

Primary outcomes

• Participant blinding [Immediately after intervention]: The blinding index is scaled to an internal of -1 to +1, +1 being complete lack of blinding, 0 being consistent with perfect blinding, -1 indicating opposite guessing which may be related to unblinding.
• Participant blinding [48 hours after intervention]: The blinding index is scaled to an internal of -1 to +1, +1 being complete lack of blinding, 0 being consistent with perfect blinding, -1 indicating opposite guessing which may be related to unblinding.

Sex: All, ages: 18 Years to 60 Years, accepts healthy volunteers

Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-60 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of stroke or transient ischemic attack or current symptoms including dizziness or vertigo, tinnitus (ringing in the ears), or visual, sensory, or motor disturbances
* New pattern headache complaint
* Recent whiplash injury (within 12 months)
* Cervical fracture/dislocation
* Disc problem with radiating symptoms to the arms or legs
* Severe degenerative joint disease in the spine
* Connective tissue disorder
* Primary fibromyalgia
* Metabolic or metaplastic bone disease
* History of cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine surgery
* Uncontrolled high blood pressure or vascular disease
* Current use of anticoagulant therapy
* Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) or a DC student in 5th quarter or above
* Present, self-reported pregnancy

• Informed Consent Form (PDF, 2024-06-12)

• Tyson Perez, DC, PhD, Principal investigator, Life University