LIFE RESEARCH UPDATE
Update Report
Center for Chiropractic Research ( CCR )
The past year has been a transition time for the Center for Chiropractic Research ( CCR ) at Life University , which included the adoption of a new mission and research focus . The mission of the CCR is now to conduct brain-body neuroplasticity research of clinical relevance to the patients and profession of Chiropractic , embodying the core values of the University through excellence in the research process , strategic partnerships and knowledge translation .
To provide a framework for the mission-focused research , the CCR is developing a Wellbeing and Health Expression Evaluation List ( WHEEL ). This initiative establishes and evaluates outcome measures that are easily deployable in a clinical setting , while concurrently leveraging research technology to conduct basic science and clinical research that will help provide an understanding of how observed changes are occurring . This approach is designed to help change the healthcare dialogue from a condition-based model to a development of health model , while providing clinicians practical , researched methods for demonstrating changes in their patients over time .
Life University has affirmed its commitment to this mission and the Chiropractic profession through investment in advanced research technology . The following equipment has been added to the lab :
• SynAmps 64-Channel EEG system for studying brain activation patterns
• E-Prime by Psychology Software Tools for timesynced cognitive assessment
• BIOPAC for physiologic assessment
• NeuroCom SMART Balance Master , which provides advanced insight into the multiple sensory components of balance .
• A complete integrated suite of Noraxon movement , ground reaction force and muscle activation assessment technology
This investment in technology provides the tools necessary to perform meaningful , high-quality research studies . The future aim is to leverage Life University ’ s technology , collaborations and trained faculty to create a destination research lab for investigators interested in advancing research in alignment with the CCR ’ s aggressive research mission and agenda .
Throughout this transformative period , the CCR has still continued to produce . At the Association of Chiropractic Colleges Research Agenda Conference ( ACC RAC ), CCR staff , faculty and students presented five research projects – four platform and one poster . The following two presentations won awards :
• Best Scientific Paper awarded to Dr . Stephanie Sullivan for Changes over time in effective neural connectivity following a chiropractic adjustment
• Best Educational Paper awarded to Dr . Edward Owens for Mechanical properties of a thoracic spine mannequin with variable stiffness control
Four additional research presentations were made at the World Federation of Chiropractic research conference and American Society of Biomechanics . Relative to publication in peer-reviewed journals , two research studies are in review and two studies have already been published in the past two years . In the upcoming year , 17 are scheduled to be submitted . The CCR also received a grant from the NCMIC foundation for the study “ A randomized wait-list control trial evaluating the effect of teambased applied clinical neuroscience care on selfreported symptoms of depression and cerebellar function in adults with medication-resistant depression .”
Much of the research conducted in the CCR includes student-driven and student-assisted studies . The active engagement of students in the research process helps to develop the next generation of chiropractic researchers . Currently , there are seven students being mentored on their own research studies by faculty and staff within the CCR . The student research includes the following studies :
• A prospective naturalistic study comparison of EEG results in verbal vs . non-verbal children with autism following chiropractic care
• Effectiveness of low-tech vs . high-tech therapies in the treatment of adult ADHD
• Effectiveness of chiropractic care on a healthy population as assessed by balance and dual task performance analysis
• Phenotypic comparison of ischemic and hemorrhagic post-rehabilitation stroke patients after receiving chiropractic care
• The neurological effects of sympathizing with patients under chiropractic care to improve chiropractic student education in the aspect of doctor-patient interaction
• The influence of rhetorical sensitivity on the chiropractors ' cultural authority
• The relationship between spinal flexibility and aortic pulse wave stiffness in the evaluation of cardiovascular fitness
Presently , there are 20-plus research projects expected to be in data collection over the next year . In addition to the student research studies listed above , here is a sample of the projected research :
• Retrospective review of electronic health records within the Center for Health and Optimum Performance
76 Alumni . LIFE . edu | 2019