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NCT Number: NCT07256327

Chiropractic for Kids With Sensory Processing Challenges

The main aim of this pilot observational study is to investigate the feasibility of implementing our novel assessment battery in tandem with normal and customary chiropractic care in a practice-based setting using a pediatric population with parent-reported sensory processing disorder (SPD). The secondary aim is to assess potential changes in objective and subjective outcomes.

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Key information

Conditions

Sensory Processing Disorder Mental Disorders Nervous System Diseases Neurodevelopmental Disorders Neurologic Manifestations Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Sensation Disorders Signs and Symptoms

Age range

5 year–12 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Observational

Primary location

Well Adjusted Students

Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, 54729, United States

About this study

Up to 17 students with probable or definite parent-reported SPD as determined by the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) will be enrolled. The primary outcomes are 1) eligibility, 2) tolerability, 3) adherence, and 4) retention. The secondary aim is to assess the potential effects of subluxation-based pediatric chiropractic care on electrocardiography (ECG)-derived heart rate variability (HRV) and parent-reported outcomes (PROs). Results from this study will inform the feasibility of a larger study powered to assess the effectiveness of pediatric chiropractic care on clinical outcomes in a pediatric population with SPD.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • 5-12 years of age.
  • SSP total scores ≤154

Exclusion criteria

  • A known heart condition, including pacemakers
  • Chiropractic care within the past 30 days

Treatment and study plan

Primary outcomes

  1. Proportion of students enrolled

    Time frame: From online screen submission to consent (up to 4 weeks)

    Number of students enrolled, divided by the total number of eligible students identified via the online screen. This assesses 'Enrollment'

  2. Proportion of completed assessment sessions

    Time frame: From enrollment to end of trial participation (up to 12 weeks)

    The number of completed ECG sessions, divided by the total number of scheduled ECG sessions (excludes sessions scheduled after withdrawal). This assesses 'Compliance'

  3. Proportion of students adhering to the care plan

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of participation (up to 12 weeks)

    The number of students attending at least 90% of their scheduled chiropractic care sessions, divided by the total number of students enrolled (excludes sessions schedule after withdrawal). This assesses 'Adherence'.

  4. Proportion of students retained

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of the 12 week study period.

    The number of participants attending the final ECG session, divided by the total number of students enrolled. This assesses 'Retention'.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Change in Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of participation (up to 12 weeks)

    Change in resting-state heart rate variability (HRV) from baseline. Children will undertake 3 minutes of electrocardiography (ECG) while seated. ECG data will be used to derive HRV.

  2. Change in Short Sensory Profile (SSP) Scores

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of participation (up to 12 weeks)

    Change in SSP scores from baseline. The SSP is a 38-item parent-report designed to assess a child's responsiveness to sensory stimuli including tactile sensitivity, taste/smell sensitivity, and visual/auditory sensitivity.

  3. Change in Pediatric Autonomic Symptom Scales (PASS) Scores

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of participation (up to 12 weeks)

    Change in PASS scores from baseline. The PASS is an 80-item parent-report questionnaire designed to assess autonomic function in children across four main subscales: 1) mood, behavior, and emotion; 2) secretomotor/sensory integration; 3) urinary/gastrointestinal systems; 4) circulation, thermoregulation, sleep, and breathing.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Research Programs & Grants Administrator

CONTACT

[email protected]

678-331-4527

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Life University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

The Effects of Chiropractic on Kids With Sensory Processing Challenges: a Pilot Observational Study

Acronym: SPD

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Dec 1, 2025
Registry last updated
Aug 19, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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