ATHLETICS AND THE CHIROPRACTIC "EDGE"

    When a doctor of chiropractic accompanied the U.S. Olympic Team to Atlanta, he was continuing a 16-year-old tradition. Since the 1980 Lake Placid games, an official chiropractic presence has been part of the Olympic experience. From world-class competitors to casual weekend players, athletes of all sorts have sought the chiropractic "edge".

    Recently, a Canadian research team included chiropractic care in the rehabilitation program of sixteen injured female long-distance runners. Not only did these runners recover quickly, but seven of them actually scored "personal best" performances while under chiropractic care.¹

    The extent of the chiropractic "edge" was further tested by clinical researchers in Iowa. Fifty athletes were divided into a group which was merely observed (the "control" group), and a group which added chiropractic care to the usual training procedures. After six weeks, the chiropractic group scored significantly better on standard tests of athletic ability. Particularly impressive changes took place in these athletes' reaction times. The control group exhibited less than 1% improvement, while the athletes under chiropractic care achieved reaction times more than 18% faster than their initial scores. The authors cite these results as important indicators of enhanced nervous system function.²

    Optimal human performance has significance beyond the athletic field. The chiropractic goal of improved nervous system function has importance on our highways, in our classrooms, at the workplace and in all other aspects of life.

¹ Grimston SK, Engsberg JR, Shaw L, Vetanze NW. Muscular Rehabilitation Prescribed in Coordination with Prior Chiropractic Therapy as a Treatment for Sacroiliac Subluxation in Female Distance Runners. Chiropractic Sports Medicine, 1990; 4: 2 - 8.

² Lauro A, Mouch B. Chiropractic Effects on Athletic Ability. Chiropractic: The Journal of Chiropractic Research and Clinical Investigation, 1991; 6: 84 - 87.

© 1996, All Rights Reserved.
Marion Todres, M.A., D.C. and Charles Masarsky, D.C.