Projects

The effects of chiropractic care on the quality of life and autonomic nervous system in adults with colon cancer: a single-arm pilot trial

Autonomic nervous system (ANS) functioning is believed to be an important factor that impacts quality of life. Evidence suggests that high vagal activity (an ANS component) can predict longer survival and improved well-being. Importantly, complementary healthcare approaches like chiropractic may influence ANS activity. Life University’s Center for Chiropractic Research (CCR) is teaming up with doctors in the metro-Atlanta area to examine the effects of chiropractic care on quality of life and ANS functioning in patients with colon cancer.

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Evaluation of changes in autonomic balance following chiropractic care in patients with Covid-19 post-viral syndrome

While researchers and medical care professionals are working tirelessly to develop effective care strategies and a solution to the present SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, many patients are looking for ways to boost their body’s own natural defenses. In addition to supplementation, chiropractic care is one of the leading complementary and integrative medicine modalities that patients utilize. The purpose of this study is to pilot test an initial study protocol for the evaluation of the effects of chiropractic care on autonomic function in individuals who are experiencing prolonged symptoms of COVID-19.

Angular kinematics of supine cervical spine adjustment thrusts on Life University PAT mannequins

Supine cervical adjustments are frequently used by chiropractors but there has been little study of their movement characteristics. This study is using methods previously developed with human patients to examine supine cervical adjustment thrusts, as performed by chiropractors and chiropractic students. In this case, the “patient” will be a mannequin specifically designed for palpation and adjustment training. With the recipient of the thrusts being consistent for each participant, the investigators will be able to compare the overall results to those found previously with humans, examine consistency between thrusts, and compare the results for students at the beginning of their training, students with patient care experience, and experienced, licensed DCs.

A practice-based survey designed to understand the symptoms and severity of COVID-19 disease among patients receiving chiropractic care

Help us understand more about COVID-19 in a national research survey. This information could be important and may help develop an understanding of the impact of COVID-19 on patients under chiropractic care and the relationship between COVID-19, patient characteristics and chiropractic care. If you are a practicing chiropractor and would like to participate in this study, please register at https://form.jotform.com/210895344022148

Technique Lab of the Future

Our researchers are at the forefront of studying the biomechanics of the chiropractor’s most important tool, the adjustment. In addition to knowledge of anatomy and joint biomechanics, and the skill to correctly identify anatomical locations on patients, students need training in several physical components of performing adjustments. All of these motor skills need to be accomplished in a coordinated manner, with proper body mechanics, to produce an adjustment that is effective and safe for the patient and the doctor.

To address this need, the CCR, in collaboration with the Chiropractic Sciences Division, has developed a Technique Lab of the Future (TLOF). This unique educational tool provides an entirely new and state-of-the-art methodology for the technique faculty to utilize as a part of student learning. The technique lab features 13 full-spine mannequins developed at Life University. These palpation and adjusting trainers (PATs) have the look, feel, size and weight of an average person and include 64 pressure sensors at key spinal landmarks. Software enables students to scan for structures beneath the mannequin’s silicone skin and know with certainty when the structure has been located.

Using an adjusting bench with a built-in force plate, students are taught to reproduce the magnitude, line of drive, and speed of thrusts similar to targets provided by their instructors. Future developments will include a force and orientation tracking glove and motion tracking equipment to provide students advanced performance feedback during early technique training.

None of these tools replace the human-to-human adjustment and palpation skills training in the technique program. They do, however, provide a repeatable and safe way for students to learn to control their thrusts through repeated practice on the mannequins, before they apply those skills to humans.

Effect of chiropractic care on risk factors of cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular disease is a major health concern and tackling it one condition at a time requires a considerable number of resources and effort. This research is designed to focus on key risk factors foundational to a number of cardiovascular conditions, evaluating the underlying neurophysiologic mechanisms of action and how chiropractic can be of benefit.

Comparison of EEG changes over time following application of chiropractic adjustive force compared to a touch only intervention.

Chiropractic is a profession founded on the premise that correction of abnormal joint position and motion restores proper function to the nervous system. While much of chiropractic research has been focused on the pain-based results of care, investigators are beginning to explore the effects of chiropractic care on brain function. However, there has been little attention given to understanding the mechanisms responsible for the adjustment-based brain changes. The purpose of this study is to test a study protocol designed to evaluate the physiologic and brain-based differences between the touch and force components of the adjustment.

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Seasonal Infectious Disease Patient Reported Outcome (SID-PRO)

Creation of a survey tool that can be utilized by healthcare professionals to track the symptoms of specific seasonal infectious diseases over time.

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A randomized wait-list control trial evaluating the effect of team-based applied clinical neuroscience care on self-reported symptoms of depression and cerebellar function in adults with medication-resistant depression

A pilot study design that operationalizes the multimodal manner of care while evaluating changes in depression symptoms, dysmetria, and balance for medication non-responders.

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The relationship between stress scores, a single-session of chiropractic care, heart rate variability, and electroencephalography patterns.

This study aims to assess the relationship between stress scores and EEG patterns during resting state and a P300 assessment. A secondary aim will be to evaluate the impact of a single session of chiropractic care on the resting state and P300 time locked response after a one-week wait period. An additional outcome assessment for this study will be the recording of the electrocardiogram (ECG) of each participant that will be used to analyze their heart rate variability (HRV).

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Assessment of arm swing in walking: range, symmetry, and contralateral thigh coordination

The primary purpose of this project is to study upper extremity movement characteristics during walking. We are building a database of typical ranges and symmetry values and examining methods to analyze contralateral arm and thigh coordination. The knowledge gained from this project will be used in a follow-up clinical study of a relevant patient population.

Autonomic dysfunction: a feasibility study of methodologies

This feasibility study uses a series of tests and data analysis methods on a generally healthy population to determine which measures to standardize for the projected series of autonomic studies. This study takes patient comfort into account along with the quality and quantity of data able to be elicited in order to determine which methods are best suited for our projected line of study in populations with autonomic dysfunction.