Research, Articles & Case Studies

New Ground has been broken in our understanding of the complex functioning of the brain. The research demonstrates that brain cells, known as astrocytes, which play fundamental roles in nearly all aspects of brain function, could be adjusted by neurons in response to injury and disease. 

ABSTRACT

Background: Military service members and veterans face health issues related to traumatic brain injury (TBI), especially during combat, use of heavy equipment, and exposures to environmental hazards and explosives. There were 400,000 TBIs reported in deployed U.S. troops in 2012. Athletes are also subject to TBI. Studies have indicated that some manual therapies could be helpful for treating patients who have postconcussive syndrome.

Objective: This case series report describes the effects of CranioSacral Therapy (CST), Visceral Manipulation (VM), and Neural Manipulation (NM) modalities for treating patients who have post-concussion syndrome. The goal of this study was to evaluate these effects on immobility, pain intensity, quality of life, sleep disorders, and cognition in these patients.

Materials and Methods: This single-blinded case series was conducted at the Upledger Institute, in West Palm Beach, FL. The patients were 11 male retired professional football players from the National Football League and the Canadian Football League who had been medically diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome. Each participant received a morning and afternoon 2-hour session of these three specific manual therapies, which were capable of accessing and addressing the structural, vascular, and neurologic tissues of the cranium and brain—as well addressing far-reaching ramifications throughout the body following trauma. The main outcome measures were scores on the: Impact Neurocognitive Test; Dynavision Test; Short Form–36 Quality of Life Survey, Headache Impact Test, Dizziness Handicap Inventory; a numeric pain rating scale; orthopedic range of motion tests (ROM); and vestibular testing. Hours of sleep were also checked. These outcome measures were registered at baseline, after treatment, and after a 3-month follow up.

Results: Statistically significant differences were seen with a decrease in overall pain rating scale scores (P=0.0448), and cervicogenic pain levels decreased (P=0.0486). There were statistically significant increases in Dynavision Average Reaction Time (P=0.0332), Memory Test (P=0.0156) scores, and cervical ROM scores (P=0.0377). Hours of sleep averaged 2 hours on the first day of treatment and increased to 4.0 hours at the end of treatment and were continuing to increase, as noted at a 3-month evaluation.

Conclusions: Ten sessions of specific CST/VM/NM therapy resulted in statistically greater improvements in pain intensity, ROM, memory, cognition, and sleep in concussed patients

Heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) significantly improves heart rate variability (HRV). Breathing at resonance frequency (RF, approximately 6 breaths/min) constitutes a key part of HRVB training and is hypothesized to be a pathway through which biofeedback improves HRV. No studies to date, however, have experimentally examined whether RF breathing impacts measures of HRV. The present study addressed this question by comparing three groups. Heart rate variability (HRV) is a key marker of health, mood, and adaptation, and hence improvements in HRV improves health, mood, and an adaptation to stress.

This study examines the relationship between spheno-occipital synchondrosis (SOS) closure and puberty onset in a modern American population. It also investigates the timing and the rate of SOS closure in males and females.

Very interesting subject!

Abstract

This study investigated potential correlation between the inflammatory marker, Calprotectin, and a S.O.S questionnaire from forty-nine Autistic children. Symptom and behavioral questionnaires were completed contemporaneously with stool sample collection. Mixed Model data analysis showed strong correlation between some questionnaire parameters and Calprotectin. 'Need for a fixed routine' was highly significantly correlated with Calprotectin (í µí±<0.00009) with Multivariate Coefficient of 3.227, whilst paradoxically 'constipation' indicated significant change (í µí±<0.02) with negative Multivariate Coefficient (-1.584). The negative 'constipation' appears to associate with the positive 'need for a fixed routine' indicating possibility of reciprocal, independent prediction of gastrointestinal inflammation. Results suggest that 'need for a fixed routine' and 'constipation' be included in a screening questionnaire as independent predictors of bowel dysfunction in these children. 

Abstract

Highlights

This article talks about Autism Spectrum Disorder and the benefits of CranioSacral Therapy, Visceral Manipulation and other bodywork provide. 

Tanya shares her story. Self  care  is  important,  and  not  only  for  your  own  well  being.  Its  importance  reaches  out  into  your  practice  and   improves  your  ability  to  facilitate  your  clients  and  patients  to  a  better  state  of  wholeness.  It  makes  you  the  best   practitioner  you  can  possibly  be,  each  and  every  day.