The primary aims of the proposed proof-of-concept trial are centred around examining the feasibility of conducting a prospective, chiropractic intervention study on an obese population living in and around Athens, Georgia. This includes evaluating various implementation outcomes including recruitment, adherence, tolerability, retention, acceptability, and data fidelity. As a secondary aim, we will assess the potential effects of removing vertebral subluxations via chiropractic adjustments on psychological, neurological, and immunological functioning. The results of this trial will inform the design of a future randomised, controlled trial (RCT) that has an increased focus on effectiveness outcomes.
Grant Value: $10,000
Chief Investigator: Dr Tyson Perez & Dr Phillip Tomporowski – Life University and University of Georgia
Status: Completed
Researcher Update:
- July 2026
Manuscript published see details below. - April 2026
The study has been completed and a manuscript has been reviewed and submitted to the Frontiers in Psychiatry Journal
- June 2025
Data collection is due to be completed in early August, with the analysis starting in September. It is hoped that manual preparation and submission will take place at the end of 2025. - December 2024
The trial has generated significant interest; however, enrolment has faced challenges, primarily due to strict participation requirements. In response, these criteria have been adjusted, substantially increasing the pool of qualified participants, and improving enrolment. The aim is to have data collected by the end of June 2025, with analysis and manual preparation taking place towards the end of 2025.
Publications:
Frontiers in Psychiatry, Volume 17, July 2026.
Perez TM, Sliwka M, Smith-Ireland D, Jackson A and Sullivan S (2026) Psychoneuroimmunological changes in adults with obesity receiving chiropractic care: a single-arm pilot trial.