The Feasibility of Using Electronic Health Records as a Data Source for Practice-Based Research
Implementation of collaborative practice-based research programs between chiropractic college research faculty members and practice management software designed particularly for chiropractors. Projects will answer questions most relevant to the chiropractic profession. With practitioner buy-in, we will capture more than just diagnosis and procedures performed, conducting studies of relevance to the advancement of the profession.
Health Missions
Technique Lab of the Future
Creation of a technique lab of the future will provide an entirely new and state-of-the-art methodology for the technique faculty to utilize as a part of student learning. Students can assess the force profile of the adjustment and understand the ergonomics of the adjustment. Research projects can be built around the system to help modernize technique instruction at LIFE University and demonstrate the effectiveness of electronic feedback for enhancing the motor skills required for safe, effective adjustments.
Currently in the works is development of an adjusting mannequin to use in the technique classroom of the future. The goal is to develop a mannequin that would have the look, feel, size and weight of an average person.
Kinetic and Kinematic analysis of an ergonomically designed backpack with chiropractic students
Chiropractic students training to work in a profession that stresses the importance of optimal ergonomics face the same problem as students everywhere with poor spinal support from backpacks. Two Life University, D.C. students have identified a couple of backpack designs worthy of systematic investigation via motion capture technology and an instrumented treadmill.
Kinetic and kinematic gait analysis of walking gait, before and after chiropractic care, following fifth metatarsal fractures
Biomechanical study of the case of a 61 year-old patient, following a 2nd foot fracture in 5 months. Investigation via motion capture technology and a treadmill instrumented with force sensors
Motion capture analysis of students performing side posture set up and thrusts on a mannequin: a pilot study
A chiropractic adjustment is a physically demanding skill. Improper adjusting technique has been linked to injury in chiropractic practitioners. Because instruction can be subjective, Life University, D.C. students investigate motion capture as an objective assessment of postures and movement patterns during an adjustment in this pilot study.
The impact of chiropractic activator adjustments on memory and reaction time: a pilot study
The difference in memory from one person to another provides an opportunity for potential intervention. This pilot study shows evaluation of the impact that chiropractic adjustments have on memory and reaction time through initial assessment and testing in a healthy population.