Your Extraordinary LIFE 2020 | Page 26

UNIVERSITY RESEARCH UPDATE
The Dr . Sid E . Williams Center for Chiropractic Research ( CCR )

Exploring an Expanded Perspective of the Role of

Chiropractic in the Healthcare System

Reimagining the way chiropractic research has been done in the past , the CCR is exploring an expanded perspective of the role of Chiropractic in the healthcare system through development of the Well-Being and Health Expression Evaluation List , referred to as the WHEEL . The WHEEL is a set of simple tools and assessments clinicians can use in their practice to show patients the changes in their health over time . Before being added to the WHEEL , each assessment is studied using basic science and clinical research approaches that explain how Chiropractic works with the brain and body to bring about observed changes . This provides a powerful dual perspective , allowing the chiropractor to demonstrate progressive patient changes and provide an explanation for how the changes are occurring .
The initial WHEEL research is being conducted in the following three areas :
• The Autonomic Nervous System ( ANS ) provides a window into the body ’ s ability to balance the many systems and processes required for daily life . When the ANS is out of balance and expressing autonomic dysfunction , there is a greater risk and susceptibility for developing conditions such as cardiovascular disease , diabetes , PTSD and metabolic syndrome . While there have been some preliminary research studies showing changes in ANS function with chiropractic care , the results have been inconsistent . This means that a deeper investigation into how Chiropractic specifically influences the ANS is needed . Using research technology that allows for assessment and integration of information across several physiologic systems , the CCR team is working to advance the understanding of chiropractic ’ s influence on the ANS , while discovering how these changes impact individuals across the spectrum of health .
• In addition to the ANS , it is important to examine changes in the brain . The chiropractic adjustment is about restoring proper nervous system function , and although the body is a collection of systems , the brain ultimately provides directive and responsive control . A series of research initiatives focused on cognitive performance and brain neuroplasticity is being conducted in order to understand how the chiropractic adjustment influences the function of the brain and how the changes in brain function impact the daily life of the individual . Through the study of the brain at rest and in response to a task , CCR researchers are working to explore topics such as stress resilience , cortical efficiency , stroke recovery and changes in conditions like depression , autism and other neurocognitive disorders .
• Finally , it is essential to research the nervous system in relation to the body . The brain and body work in concert to allow individuals to interact with and respond to their environment . Examination of movement patterns and how those patterns relate to the responsiveness of the nervous system provide a clinical window into present and predictive neural health . For example , altered arm swing patterns are related to the development or presence of conditions such as Parkinson ’ s , anxiety , depression and mild cognitive impairment . Leveraging technology that captures how the brain and body interact , research is being conducted that examines the influence of Chiropractic on patterns of movement and neural responsiveness , with an additional focus on the development of movement-based outcome measures that can be used by clinicians to assess a patient ’ s nervous system and brain health .
To learn more about the innovative approaches being taken by the CCR and to follow along as new research is announced , please visit the CCR website at CCR . LIFE . edu .
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