Chiropractic care for older people
may reduce deaths and injuries from falls according to researchers taking part
in a study by Auckland University and the Chiropractic Research Centre (CRC) at
the New Zealand College of Chiropractic on the neurophysiological effects of
chiropractic on the brain.
According to chiropractor, PhD
candidate and principal investigator of the study Dr Kelly Holt, falls often
occur due to a decline in nervous system function with advancing age. This can
lead to a loss of balance, or poor control of the limbs, which dramatically
increases the risk of falling.
Dr Holt says: `Already it is
estimated that in New Zealand slips, trips and falls cost almost $300 million
per year in treatment and rehabilitation costs and as the population ages this
will likely get worse.’ He says that ‘falls result in approximately 450 deaths
per year in New Zealand and for older adults in particular, a fall can lead to
a downward spiral that involves a loss of confidence, a cessation of day to day
activities and eventually increased frailty and even death.’
There is no doubt that falls are a
major health concern for older adults. They are a significant cause of death,
injury and loss of quality of life. In people over the age of 65, falls account
for over 80% of injury related hospital admissions and they are the leading
cause of unintentional injury related death in older adults in New Zealand.
Dr Holt explains: `In the past ten
years researchers at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic have objectively
demonstrated that chiropractic adjustments can change aspects of nervous system
function including the way the brain controls muscles, responds to sensory
stimuli and controls limb function which are all important when it comes to
preventing falls.’
Earlier this year Dr Holt
published a review of The Effects of Manual Therapy on Balance and Falls
in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics[1]. This
study found that although a number of studies had found statistical links
between manual therapies and an improvement in balance there was a need for
more research to better understand the clinical implications.
He says: `This latest New Zealand
study will investigate the relationship between chiropractic care and
components of the nervous system important for maintaining balance and
preventing falls in older adults. To study this relationship the researchers
will follow and assess two groups of older participants at regular intervals
over a 12 week period. One group will be under regular chiropractic care for 12
weeks and the other group will receive no chiropractic care during the study
but will be offered the programme at the completion of the study. Besides
tracking changes in nervous system function the study will also monitor the
participant’s quality of life.’
Dr Heidi Haavik, the Director of
Research at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic adds: `We have been looking
at the effects of chiropractic on the function of the nervous system for the
last decade. This latest collaboration between
the College and the University of Auckland is part of Dr Holt’s PhD research
for which he is receiving a Senior Health Research Doctoral Scholarship, one of
only three awarded by the University each year.’
`We hope that by better
understanding the impact of chiropractic care on this group of patients we may
be able to improve the way we care for older people and reduce their risk of
falling.’
For further information on the New Zealand
Chiropractors’ Association visit www.chiropractic.org.nz.
-Ends-
Further
Information:
[1]
Journal of Manipulative and Physiological
Therapeutics March/April 2012, Holt et al
Manual Therapy, Falls and Balance
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