Case series describing the effect of cervical adjustments on EEG readings

165 Pages·2016·2.75 MB·English

by  Gareth Hardie

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Case Series Describing the Effect of Cervical Adjustments on EEG Readings

A research dissertation presented to the Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Johannesburg, as
partial fulfilment for the Master’s Degree in Technology: Chiropractic by

Gareth Anthony Hardie
(Student number: 201104443)

Supervisor: ___________________________ Date: _________________________
Dr. C Bester

Co-supervisor: ________________________ Date: _________________________
Dr. M Busschau
DECLARATION

I declare that this dissertation is my own, unaided work. It is being submitted as a partial
fulfilment for the Masters Degree in Technology, in the programme of Chiropractic, at the
University of Johannesburg. It has not been submitted before for any other degree or
University programme.

Signature of candidate

_________________ day of __________________

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DEDICATION

I dedicate this research to my loving and supportive family.

To my parents, Tony and Sue-Ann Hardie, without you I would not have had the
opportunity to become a Chiropractor. All the hours of love and care you have given to me
over the past 24 years has gone a long way to allowing me to achieve my dreams. Thank
you for giving me this opportunity to make you proud.

To Chanelle Scott-Crossley, without your constant support throughout this course I would
not be where I am today. You have continuously challenged me and been an integral part
of my growth as a Chiropractor.

To Ross Potgieter, thank you for introducing me to this amazing profession. Without you, I
would have never discovered it. Thank you for always having time for me. You have been
a role model and a mentor to me.

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

To my supervisor, Dr Charmaine Bester, thank you for your time and dedication. Your
critical eye, patience and guidance throughout my dissertation and studies were much
appreciated. It has been a privilege to work with such an efficient and knowledgeable
doctor.

To my co-supervisor, Dr Mike Busschau, thank you for the help in formulating this
dissertation. Your help and guidance particularly at the beginning was the catalyst for this
study.

Thank you, Professor Alban Burke, for your help and expertise when it came to using the
electroencephalogram and the software. Without it, this study would not have been
possible. Your help and advice in all aspect of this write up was greatly appreciated.

Thank you to my editor, Sue-Ann Hardie without your proof reading and help this study
would not be at the standard that it is at now.

Lastly, to all the participants, thank you so much for having the patience to participate in
the trials. I appreciate the sacrifice of your time.

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ABSTRACT

Background:

An electroencephalogram (EEG) is used to measure brain wave activity. It has been
alleged by Barwell, Long, Byers & Schisler, (2004) and Baumbick, Hondorp, Miller, Penney
& Kettner, (1992) that chiropractic manipulation can affect the nervous system beyond the
dorsal nerve root and may affect the function of the brain itself. Lystad & Pollard, (2009)
stated that there is a need to further our understanding of the neurophysiological effects of
chiropractic manipulations on brain activity.

This is, however, a controversial topic as current evidence has either not been scientifically
validated or peer reviewed, or the evidence has had serious limitations. There is a need,
therefore, to prove or disprove the possibilities that chiropractic mans have an effect on
EEG readings using validated and objective methods.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to compile a case series describing whether chiropractic
manipulations have any discernible influence on EEG readings. This could theoretically
stimulate further related research and thus redefine the existing limits of chiropractic
treatment of the central nervous system by potentially influencing brain wave activity.

Method:

A descriptive design following a case series approach was best suited for this study, as the
research tracked the changes of the EEG readings before and after a chiropractic cervical
manipulation. The EEG equipment that was used for the trails was a MP150 Biopac
System.

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Once the recruited participants had read and signed the informed consent and information
forms they were accepted into the study. On arrival at the Chiropractic Clinic participants
were assessed as new patients. Once this was completed the EEG cap was placed on the
participants head and the first of the three, four minute recordings was started. After the
first recording was completed the participant’s cervical spine was manipulated. The final
recordings took place thereafter.

Results:

There was a definite difference in the readings pre- and post-manipulation across all three
brain lobes. Some participants showed more pronounced changes in brain wave activity
than others.

Conclusion:

The definite change in pre- and post- manipulation readings demonstrates that cervical
manipulation do have an effect on EEG readings. However, this topic needs further
research to determine the exact effects of chiropractic manipulations.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Declaration ii
Affidavit iii
Dedication iv
Acknowledgments v
Abstract vi
Table of Contents viii
List of Figures xi
List of Appendices xvi

CHAPTER ONE – INTRODUCTION 1

1.1. The Topic 1
1.2. The Aim 1
1.3. Study Design 1
1.4. Possible Outcomes 2

CHAPTER TWO – LITERATURE REVIEW 3

2.1. Introduction 3
2.2. EEG 3
2.2.1. Introduction 3
2.2.2. Physiological basis of the EEG 3
2.2.3. EEG frequency bands 4
2.2.4. EEG equipment 5
2.2.5. Disturbances in EEG 6
2.3. Anatomy and Physiology 6
2.3.1. The three joint complex 6
2.3.2. Facet joints and their innervation 7
2.3.3. Neurological pathways 9
2.3.4. Parietal lobe and the somatosensory cortex 11
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2.3.5. Frontal and temporal lobes 11
2.4. The Effect of Chiropractic Manipulations on EEG Readings 12
2.4.1. Introduction 12
2.4.2. Existing studies on chiropractic manipulations and the effect
on EEG readings 12

CHAPTER THREE – METHODOLOGY 15

3.1. Introduction 15
3.2. Study Design 15
3.2.1. Participant recruitment 15
3.2.2. Sample selection and size 15
3.2.3. Inclusion criteria 16
3.2.4. Exclusion criteria 16
3.3. Objective Data 16
3.3.1. Introduction 16
3.4. Procedure 18
3.4.1. First and only visit 18
3.5. Data Analysis 21
3.6. Ethical Considerations 23

CHAPTER FOUR – RESULTS 24

4.1. Introduction 24
4.2. Cases 24
4.2.1. Participant 1 24
4.2.2. Participant 2 33
4.2.3. Participant 3 41
4.2.4. Participant 4 48
4.2.5. Participant 5 56
4.2.6. Participant 6 64
4.2.7. Participant 7 71
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4.2.8. Participant 8 79
4.2.9. Participant 9 87
4.2.10. Participant 10 95

CHAPTER FIVE – DISCUSSION 104

5.1. Introduction 104
5.2. Neurology of the Brain Lobes Activated 104
5.2.1. Parietal lobe 105
5.2.2. Temporal lobe 105
5.2.3. Frontal lobe 106
5.3. Results 106
5.3.1. Group average results 106
5.3.2. Group modal results 109
5.4. Interpretation of the Brain Waves 110
5.4.1. Parietal lobe 110
5.4.2. Temporal lobe 112
5.4.3. Frontal lobe 113
5.4.4. Trends Observed 115
5.5. Trends and Correlations 118

CHAPTER SIX – CONCLUSION 119

6.1. Conclusion 119
6.2. Recommendations 119

REFERENCES 121

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