This preliminary clinical trial will examine the effects of vagal nerve activation via cervical chiropractic adjustments on clinical outcomes in patients with colon cancer. Specifically, we hypothesize that participants randomly assigned to receive cervical chiropractic adjustments will have higher heart rate variability (HRV), better health-related quality of life (QOL) and lower levels of both pain and a colon cancer tumour marker, than controls. We aim to recruit 80 participants with advanced colon cancer (stage III-IV) who will be measured at baseline for QOL, pain, HRV and a colon cancer marker. Thereafter, they will be randomized to receive the intervention or sham for 10 weeks. Follow up will be at specific intervals across 6months.
Grant Value: $39,850 (Co-Funded with the UCA)
Chief Investigator: Adrian Wenban & Yori Gidron Barcelona College of Chiropractic
Status: In Progress
Researcher update:
- July 2024
Dr Adrian Wenban and Dr Yori Gidron have now collaborated with Dr Stephanie Sullivan from Life University to complete this research. This has resulted in it needing to be submitted for approval with Life University, and consequently some alterations have been made, most importantly broadening the outcomes measures related to the ANS beyond just looking at the HRV. The team at LU are now carrying out an inter-examiner reliability study of the added ANS outcome measures before starting patient recruitment. More information to follow later in 2024. - October 2021
Unfortunately Covid has caused delays with the gathering of data. We are hoping to have new updates to share very soon.