The Effects of Chiropractic on Adults With Depression

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Conditions studied: Depression Disorder

In brief

The goal of this clinical trial is to evaluate the feasibility of the study design in preparation for a future clinical trial examining chiropractic care for adults with mild to moderate depression. We aim to determine whether the study procedures function as intended, including the ability to recruit, retain, and engage participants, as well as whether the intervention is implemented as planned. The main questions it aims to answer is: 1. Can sufficient eligible participants be enrolled within the planned timeframe? 2. Is there any retention of participant throughout the study duration and the factors contributing to ongoing participation? 3. Can participants adhere to pre-treatment instructions and protocols before their first check-up? 4. Can participants attend and complete all assessments and chiropractic sessions? 5. Can participants fulfill all required study activities without excessive burden? 6. Can chiropractors strictly follow chiropractic adjustments only, without offering any additional treatments? Researchers will compare adults with depression on the waitlist group to see if chiropractic care effects on adults with depression. Participants will * Perform resting state Electrocardiography (ECG) * Perform resting state Electroencephalography (EEG) * Perform Event-related potential (ERP) à Auditory and visual stimuli tests * Complete Patient Reported Outcomes (PROs) * COMPASS-31 * PROMIS-29 * PROMIS-Cog-8 * Perceived Stress Scale * Depression Short Form 8a * Complete Assessment of Acceptability * Complete Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) * Receive 6 weeks of chiropractic care treatment

Key facts

Study ID: NCT07260045
Run by: Life University
People needed: 20
Starts: 2027-03-01
Expected to finish: 2028-03-30
Last updated by the study team: 2026-05-07

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

18-65 years of age
Mild (T-score 55-59) to moderate (T-score 60-69) depression, as measured by the PROMIS® Depression - Short Form 8a, an 8-question survey that assesses symptoms like sadness and hopelessness.

You may not qualify if…

Severe suicidal risk
Diagnosed with any untreated or uncontrolled externalizing disorders (like substance use or antisocial disorder) or thought disorders (like schizophrenia, paranoid personality, or bipolar).
Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, or cervical spine instability
Has hearing impairments (task involves auditory stimuli)
Currently pregnant (if applicable)
Chiropractic adjustment within the past 2 weeks
Scalp injuries or surgeries within the past 3 months
Prescribed short-acting benzodiazepines, which include midazolam \& triazolam
Current litigation related to a physical, health-related injury.
Diagnosed heart conditions, including pacemakers.
Living with and/or caring for someone with a diagnosed neuropsychiatric disorder

Where it is running

Center for Chiropractic Research — Marietta, Georgia, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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