This study from the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research in 2007 is an amazing example of how specific upper cervical chiropractic can have an integral part in your progression as an athlete. The study focused on athletic performance and physiological measures before, during and after 14 weeks of specific upper cervical chiropractic care. I agree with the study when they stated the importance of utilizing chiropractic for the improvement of human performance as an alternative to the current use of illegal drugs to boost performance, which often has long term physical consequences. Thank you Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic Research and the University of South Carolina (Spartanburg) baseball team for getting the truth published.
28 male baseball players were recruited to be a part of the study and 21 players completed the study. 9 players were in the chiropractic group and 12 players were part of the control group. Only players who were free of physical injury were selected for the study and in order to complete the study, the players needed to remain injury free from physical injury throughout the entire study. Both the control group and the chiropractic group received radiographic analysis and thermographic profiling before the study began as well as at the end of the study. They all also received baseline profiles of athletic ability and physiological function pre and post study. In order for the chiropractic group to receive a specific Palmer toggle-recoil adjustment during the study, the patient needed to have at least 2 established pattern scans prior to the adjustment and were rested for at least 10 min post adjustment.
The athletic performance tests were the vertical jump test, Broad jump specified, standing broad jump, and muscle strength (free weight abduction). The physiological tests performed were resting blood pressure and resting pulse rate, treadmill stress test, and Natilfold microcirculation (capillary count before and after 8 minute treadmill run).
The results should inspire ANYONE, whether you are an athlete or not to add specific upper cervical care to your health and performance routine. There was very evident improvement within the adjusted group in regard to muscle strength, long jump distance, and vertical jump distance and there was a decrease in distance of specific broad jump. The trend was similar with the controlled group other than an additional decrease in long jump. Although the trends were similar, the percentage of improvement was substantially greater with the adjusted group. With the adjusted group, there was a significant increase in capillary counts. The control group on the other hand did not show a significant improvement. There was a downward trend with the adjustment group and an upward trend with the control group in terms of resting heart rate and systolic/diastolic blood pressure. This is probably one of the most important aspects to me in this study because resting heart rate is s very good indicator of overall fitness.
As you can see making sure the upper cervical area is clear of subluxations and your brainstem is free to function optimally is absolutely critical to reaching your God given maximum potential.
Schwartzbauer J, Kolber J, Schwartzbauer, DC, Hart, JDC, Zhang J. Paper Presented at the National Subluxation Conference, October 12-13, 1996 Phoenix, Arizona, Sponsored by Sherman College of Straight Chiropractic. Published in the J of Vertebral Subluxation Research 1997; 1 (4): 7
http://cafeoflife.de/download/research%201497-0043_athletic.pdf
