Changes in Cerebral Blood Flow With Spinal Manipulative Therapy vs. Voluntary Motion

Not Applicable

• Conditions: Vertebral Artery Dissection; Cerebrovascular Accident; Cerebrovascular Stroke

• Registration Number: NCT01205490
• Lead Sponsor: Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College

Brief Summary

The investigators are performing a study to determine whether changes in blood flow occur in the neck and back of the brain following a series of head positions and a manipulation of the upper neck. Each participant will be asked to undergo a series of MRI's to evaluate whether there are any changes in blood flow resulting from any of the head positions or manipulation. The study will be conducted over a period of 1 day and each participant can anticipate the testing to take approximately 120 minutes.

Detailed Description

The goal is to further investigate the cerebrovascular hemodynamic consequences of cervical spine positions, including rotation and manipulation in-vivo under clinically relevant circumstances using two advanced forms of MRI technology on the VA and posterior cerebral vessels. According to the knowledge of the investigators, a study utilizing MRI and functional blood oxygen level dependent (fBOLD) imaging to examine blood flow and perfusion, turbulence and evidence of micro-trauma within these vessels has yet to be conducted.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2010-09-17
• Study First Submitted QC: 2010-09-17
• Study First Posted: 2010-09-20
• Status Verified: 2011-06
• Last Update Submitted: 2011-06-27
• Last Update Posted: 2011-06-28
• Study Start: 2011-07
• Primary Completion: 2012-08
• Study Completion: 2012-08

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: UNKNOWN
• Sex: Male
• Target Recruitment: 10

Inclusion Criteria

Not provided

Exclusion Criteria

Not provided

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
change in advanced magnetic resonance imaging	immediately after head positions.	A change in vertebral, posterior cerebellar and collateral arterial blood flow associated with various head positions and an upper cervical manipulation will be measured using blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD). A BOLD MRI generates a signal by tracking changes in the local oxyhemoglobin to deoxyhemoglobin ratio. Signal changes are due to a combination of altered microvascular perfusion, blood volume, and fluctuations in cellular metabolism. It will also provide more sensitivity in determining the impact of changes in blood flow during the various head positions.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

St. Joseph Healthcare, Research Imaging Institute; 🇨🇦 Hamilton, Ontario, Canada