Effect of Chiropractic Treatment on Muscle Strength in Athletes: An Evidence-Based Evaluation

ABSTRACT

Chiropractic treatment is a form of manual therapy that targets the regulation of the nervous system and the functional balance of the musculoskeletal system through manipulations applied to the spine and surrounding structures. The primary aim of this review is to evaluate the effects of chiropractic treatment on muscle strength in athletes in light of current literature, to synthesize evidence from methodologically robust studies, and to provide a conceptual framework that explains the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms of these effects. The included studies assessed a range of parameters, from acute increases in muscle strength to neuromuscular coordination, improvements in proprioception, and the impact of spinal manipulation on athletic performance. While the findings indicate that spinal manipulation may produce significant effects in certain subgroups, they also highlight the need for further research to obtain generalizable and long-term conclusions.