Identification of the location, extent, and pathway of sensory neurologic feedback after mechanical stimulation of a lateral spinal ligament in chickens

Protein-containing nutrient supplementation following strength training enhances the effect on muscle mass, strength, and bone formation in postmenopausal women

We evaluated the response of various muscle and bone adaptation parameters with 24 wk of strength training in healthy, early postmenopausal women when a nutrient supplement (protein, carbohydrate, calcium, and vitamin D) or a placebo supplement (a minimum of energy) was ingested immediately following each training session. At inclusion, each woman was randomly and double-blindedly assigned to a nutrient group or a placebo (control) group. Muscle hypertrophy was evaluated from biopsies, MRI, and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, and muscle strength was determined in a dynamometer. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured using DEXA scans, and bone turnover was determined from serum osteocalcin and collagen type I cross-linked carboxyl terminal peptide. The nutrient group improved concentric and isokinetic (60°/s) muscle strength from 6 to 24 wk by 9 ± 3% ( P < 0.01), whereas controls showed no change (1 ± 2%, P > 0.05). Only the nutrient group improved lean body mass ( P < 0.05) over the 24 wk. BMD responded similarly at the lumbar spine but changed differently in the two groups at the femoral neck ( P < 0.05) [control: 0.943 ± 0.028 to 0.930 ± 0.024 g/mm3 (−1.0 ± 1.4%); nutrient group: 0.953 ± 0.051 to 0.978 ± 0.043 g/mm3 (3.8 ± 3.4%)] when adjusted for age, body mass index, and BMD at inclusion. Bone formation displayed an interaction ( P < 0.05), mainly caused by increased osteocalcin at 24 wk in the nutrient group. In conclusion, we report that nutrient supplementation results in superior improvements in muscle mass, muscle strength, femoral neck BMD, and bone formation during 24 wk of strength training. The observed differences following such a short intervention emphasize the significance of postexercise nutrient supply on musculoskeletal maintenance.

Basic Science Research Related to Chiropractic Spinal Adjusting: The State of the Art and Recommendations Revisited

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this white paper are to review and summarize the basic science literature relevant to spinal fixation (subluxation) and spinal adjusting procedures and to make specific recommendations for future research.

METHODS

PubMed, CINAHL, ICL, OSTMED, and MANTIS databases were searched by a multidisciplinary team for reports of basic science research (since 1995) related to spinal fixation (subluxation) and spinal adjusting (spinal manipulation). In addition, hand searches of the reference sections of studies judged to be important by the authors were also obtained. Each author used key words they determined to be most important to their field in designing their individual search strategy. Both animal and human studies were included in the literature searches, summaries, and recommendations for future research produced in this project.

DISCUSSION

The following topic areas were identified: anatomy, biomechanics, somatic nervous system, animal models, immune system, and human studies related to the autonomic nervous system. A relevant summary of each topic area and specific recommendations for future research in each area were the primary objectives of this project.

CONCLUSIONS

The summaries of the literature for the 6 topic sections (anatomy, biomechanics, somatic nervous system, animal models, immune system, and human studies related to the autonomic nervous system) indicated that a significant body of basic science research evaluating chiropractic spinal adjusting has been completed and published since the 1997 basic science white paper. Much more basic science research in these fields needs to be accomplished, and the recommendations at the end of each topic section should help researchers, funding agencies, and other decision makers develop specific research priorities.

Reflex control of the spine and posture: a review of the literature from a chiropractic perspective

OBJECTIVE

This review details the anatomy and interactions of the postural and somatosensory reflexes. We attempt to identify the important role the nervous system plays in maintaining reflex control of the spine and posture. We also review, illustrate, and discuss how the human vertebral column develops, functions, and adapts to Earth's gravity in an upright position. We identify functional characteristics of the postural reflexes by reporting previous observations of subjects during periods of microgravity or weightlessness.

BACKGROUND

Historically, chiropractic has centered around the concept that the nervous system controls and regulates all other bodily systems; and that disruption to normal nervous system function can contribute to a wide variety of common ailments. Surprisingly, the chiropractic literature has paid relatively little attention to the importance of neurological regulation of static upright human posture. With so much information available on how posture may affect health and function, we felt it important to review the neuroanatomical structures and pathways responsible for maintaining the spine and posture. Maintenance of static upright posture is regulated by the nervous system through the various postural reflexes. Hence, from a chiropractic standpoint, it is clinically beneficial to understand how the individual postural reflexes work, as it may explain some of the clinical presentations seen in chiropractic practice.

METHOD

We performed a manual search for available relevant textbooks, and a computer search of the MEDLINE, MANTIS, and Index to Chiropractic Literature databases from 1970 to present, using the following key words and phrases: "posture," "ocular," "vestibular," "cervical facet joint," "afferent," "vestibulocollic," "cervicocollic," "postural reflexes," "spaceflight," "microgravity," "weightlessness," "gravity," "posture," and "postural." Studies were selected if they specifically tested any or all of the postural reflexes either in Earth's gravity or in microgravitational environments. Studies testing the function of each postural component, as well as those discussing postural reflex interactions, were also included in this review.

DISCUSSION

It is quite apparent from the indexed literature we searched that posture is largely maintained by reflexive, involuntary control. While reflexive components for postural control are found in skin and joint receptors, somatic graviceptors, and baroreceptors throughout the body, much of the reflexive postural control mechanisms are housed, or occur, within the head and neck region primarily. We suggest that the postural reflexes may function in a hierarchical fashion. This hierarchy may well be based on the gravity-dependent or gravity-independent nature of each postural reflex. Some or all of these postural reflexes may contribute to the development of a postural body scheme, a conceptual internal representation of the external environment under normal gravity. This model may be the framework through which the postural reflexes anticipate and adapt to new gravitational environments.

CONCLUSION

Visual and vestibular input, as well as joint and soft tissue mechanoreceptors, are major players in the regulation of static upright posture. Each of these input sources detects and responds to specific types of postural stimulus and perturbations, and each region has specific pathways by which it communicates with other postural reflexes, as well as higher central nervous system structures. This review of the postural reflex structures and mechanisms adds to the growing body of posture rehabilitation literature relating specifically to chiropractic treatment. Chiropractic interest in these reflexes may enhance the ability of chiropractic physicians to treat and correct global spine and posture disorders. With the knowledge and understanding of these postural reflexes, chiropractors can evaluate spinal configurations not only from a segmental perspective, but can also determine how spinal dysfunction may be the ultimate consequence of maintaining an upright posture in the presence of other postural deficits. These perspectives need to be explored in more detail.

The production of scoliosis after pinealectomy in young chickens, rats, and hamsters

STUDY DESIGN

This study involved weekly radiographic examination of pinealectomized rats, hamsters, and chickens to observe the development of scoliosis.

OBJECTIVES

To determine whether pinealectomy produces scoliosis in animals more closely related phylogenetically to humans than to chickens, namely rats and hamsters, which are representative of mammals.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Pinealectomy in 3-day-old chickens has consistently resulted in the development of scoliosis with many characteristics similar to those seen in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. It has not been determined whether this phenomenon is restricted solely to chickens or is applicable to other animals, especially those more closely related to humans.

METHODS

The pineal gland was removed from young rats, hamsters, and chickens. All animals underwent radiography weekly to detect the development of any scoliosis. Weight and length measurements were also taken weekly, and serum melatonin levels were determined at the time the animals were killed.

RESULTS

Scoliosis was not observed in either the rats or the hamsters. In contrast, scoliosis developed in 10 of 21 chickens. Serum melatonin levels in all pinealectomized animals were zero.

CONCLUSIONS

In contrast to the chickens, pinealectomy does not seem to cause scoliosis in either young rats or hamsters. The reasons for this discrepancy may include differences in the physiology and spinal morphology of the rat and hamster in comparison with the chicken. In the pinealectomized chickens, the results also suggest that future scoliosis development might be indicated by a significant increase in size when they are compared with pinealectomized chickens that do not develop scoliosis. Such differences in growth rates also distinguish patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

Changes in serum melatonin levels in response to pinealectomy in the chicken and its correlation with development of scoliosis

STUDY DESIGN

Normal, sham, and groups of chickens subjected to pinealectomy from which serum melatonin levels were measured and correlated with scoliosis development in a period of 5 weeks.

OBJECTIVES

To measure serum melatonin levels in chickens subjected to pinealectomy and control chickens and correlate findings with development of scoliosis.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

In a previous study by others, scoliosis developed in 100% of chickens subjected to pinealectomy, and serum melatonin levels were found to be reduced. Previous results in a study by the authors showed scoliosis developing in only approximately 55% of chickens that underwent pinealectomy.

METHODS

Young chickens were subjected to pinealectomy. Control groups consisted of sham operation and normal groups. Radiographs and blood samples were taken at weekly intervals to monitor scoliosis development and measure serum melatonin levels using radioimmunoassay techniques.

RESULTS

Scoliosis developed in only 52% of chickens that underwent pinealectomy, but all had low levels of serum melatonin and no circadian rhythm. The chickens in the two control groups maintained normal serum melatonin levels and rhythms.

CONCLUSIONS

Pinealectomy in young chickens reduces serum melatonin levels and eliminates the melatonin circadian rhythm. It can also produce scoliosis, but low levels of serum melatonin are a poor predictor of development of scoliosis.