Preliminary Insights into the Effects of Spinal Manipulation Therapy of Different Force Magnitudes on Blood Biomarkers of Oxidative Stress and Pro-Resolution of Inflammation Mediators

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionEvidence has reported that spinal manipulation therapy (SMT) leads to spine segmental hypoalgesia through neurophysiological and peripheral mechanisms related to regulating inflammatory biomarker function. However, these studies also showed substantial inter-individual variability in the biomarker responses. Such variability may be due to the incomplete understanding of the fundamental effects of force-based manipulations (e.g., patient-specific force-time characteristics) on a person’s physiology in health and disease. This study investigated the short-term effects of distinct SMT force-time characteristics on blood oxidative stress and pro-resolution of inflammation biomarkers.MethodsNineteen healthy adults were clustered into three groups: control (preload only), target total peak force of 400N, and 800N. A validated force-sensing table technology (FSTT®) determined the SMT force-time characteristics. Blood samples were collected at pre-intervention, immediately after SMT, and 20 minutes post-intervention. Parameters of the oxidant system (total oxidant status, lipid peroxidation and lipid hydroperoxide), the antioxidant system (total antioxidant capacity and bilirubin), and lipid-derived resolvin D1 were evaluated in plasma and erythrocytes through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and colorimetric assays.ResultsOverall, 400N seemed to decrease blood oxidants, and 800N generally increased blood oxidants, decreased antioxidants and resolvin D1 mediatorConclusionOur findings indicate that different single SMT force-time characteristics presented contrasting effects on the systemic redox signalling biomarkers and pro-resolution of inflammation mediators in healthy participants, providing baseline information and direction for future studies in a clinical population.