A recent study of elite Chinese athletes investigated the potential benefits of combining strength and conditioning programs with chiropractic care. Researchers compared two groups over 12 weeks: a control group following a supervised training program and an experimental group receiving weekly cervical adjustments in addition to the standard program.
Elite Chinese athletes’ physical performance was assessed by comparing a group receiving supervised strength and conditioning program (control) with a second group receiving the same supervised program plus once per week cervical adjustments (experimental group) for a period of 12 weeks.
The program aimed to enhance: agility, muscular strength, endurance, and speed. Measurements were taken at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. The experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in all metrics except for agility.
Results
This study indicates that a 3-month training program combined with chiropractic care yielded significant improvements in athletic physical performance.
These findings highlight the potential value of integrating chiropractic care into comprehensive sports performance strategies. Chiropractors, coaches, trainers, and athletes should consider a collaborative, holistic approach when designing their training regimens, particularly for long-term athletic development programs.
Reference: Zhang, Q., Yang, J.-S., Qi, G., Ma, Y., & Zhang, X. (2024). The Effects of Chiropractic Care Combine with a Three-Month Physical Training Program on the Development of Adolescent Basketball Players. European Journal of Sport Sciences, 3(4), 18–24. https://doi.org/10.24018/ejsport.2024.3.4.181
💡Study summarized by Alan Cook, DC.
Dr. Cook has authored numerous articles for publication on topics covering a range of topics, including: The Healing Benefits of Laughter to articles on NSAIDs and on Osteoporosis. Enroll in his latest course, Osteoporosis: Symptoms, Causes & Treatment Strategies.
