Do chiropractic college faculty understand
informed consent? A pilot study.
The Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research is
located on Palmer’s Davenport campus in the
William and Jo Harris Building. |
AUTHORS: Dana Lawrence, D.C.; Maria Hondras, D.C., M.P.H.
Whenever researchers use humans in their studies, ethical
issues must be addressed. We understand that the participant
must give free informed consent to participate, yet the legalities
of this can be misunderstood by even experienced researchers.
In order to help fashion better understanding of the intricacies,
we are conducting a survey of all full-time faculty at Palmer’s
Davenport campus. The survey asks the respondent to select
from three possible courses of action for four research-related
scenarios. In addition, the respondent indicates which department
he or she works for, as well as years of service. Each faculty
member is provided an opportunity to offer specific comments
if any explanation is needed.
A study of electromyographic (EMG)
response to Activator treatment.
AUTHORS: James DeVocht, D.C., Ph.D.; Robert Rowell, D.C.;
Edward Owens, D.C., M.S.
This study will develop a better understanding of the
physiological mechanisms evoked by chiropractic manipulation
for back pain. It seeks to quantify change, after a chiropractic
treatment using the Activator method protocol, in muscle
activity in areas with initially elevated activity levels. This is
done by attaching surface EMG electrodes to the paraspinal
muscles over the lumbar region. Angular movement and EMG
data will be taken while each patient stands and goes to full
flexion to capture the flexion-relaxation phenomenon. EMG
activity will be monitored for 15 seconds while the participant
rests in the prone position. Two five-minute segments follow,
randomly assigned to either treatment or continued rest, with
15 seconds of EMG taken after each segment. After those two
segments, there will be two 10-minute segments with 15
seconds of EMG after the end of each treatment to monitor
the stability of any changes from the treatment.
Barriers and opportunities to the
implementation of best practice
recommendations: report of a
focus group
AUTHORS: Dana Lawrence D.C.; Judith Polipnick M.S., D.C., Ph.D.; Ilke
Schwarz, D.C.; William Meeker, D.C., M.P.H.; Marc Micozzi, M.D., Ph.D.
As part of a larger project investigating development of best
practice recommendations for the use of spinal manipulation
for low back pain, we conducted a focus group to investigate
stakeholder and practitioner concerns regarding best practice
statements. In the focus group, the primary inclusion criterion
is that the individual serves in a leadership position in a
specific area, including: policy, research, academia, academic
administration, insurance, or managed care. The narratives
from the focus group provide the primary source data for
the study. Participants were selected using a purposive
sampling strategy. Participants first completed a demographic
questionnaire and provided a written response about what they
hoped to get from the meeting. They were then asked a list of
semi-structured interview questions to ensure consistency in
the data collection process. Transcripts were developed from
the audio recordings. Content analysis of the focus group
transcripts will be performed to identify key themes and
concepts, using categories of narratives.