Palmer College of Chiropractic

Chiropractic Research

Research Programs

Research Programs

The Palmer Center for Chiropractic Research was established in 1995 to combine the resources of Palmer College of Chiropractic and Palmer College of Chiropractic West. Research faculty and staff from these campuses, together with the newest addition, Palmer Florida, work effectively together on common goals. The Center is currently organized into seven research programs and one office for planning and administration:

Center for the Study of Mechanisms & Effects of Chiropractic Adjustments. This collaborative 3-year project with National University of Health Sciences, Kansas State University, SUNY Stony Brook, and University of Iowa, will establish a Multidisciplinary Developmental Center for the study of mechanisms and effects of chiropractic manipulations. The long range plan is to gain further insight into spinal manipulation and its physiological biomechanical mechanisms. The Center will facilitate 4 research projects supported by the Data Management and Biostatistics, Biomechanics and Administration Cores. New Program (since 10/03)

Chiropractic Technique and Technology Assessment. Focuses on studies related to the validity and reliability of clinical diagnostic and outcome measurement procedures, especially as they relate to spinal problems and on the clinical utility of evolving technology. One of its major goals is to improve the quality of chiropractic care and provide data to support the development of chiropractic practice parameters.

Clinical Trials and Outcomes Research program focuses on studies that evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of chiropractic care for specific health conditions, such as patients with chronic pelvic pain, hypertension, chronic neck pain, headache or low back pain.

Consortial Center for Chiropractic Research. Supported by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institutes of Health, it is headquartered at Palmer College, with members from six chiropractic colleges, five state-supported universities and Harvard Medical School. Headquartered at Palmer College. CCCR Website

Educational Research. Focuses on studies geared to evaluate and improve the quality of chiropractic education. Such studies pertain to chiropractic colleges, faculty, and students, and can impact scholarly activity and academic policies and procedures.

Experimental Biomechanics and Neurosciences Research. Geared toward basic science-oriented studies relevant to chiropractic theory and practice, especially subluxation and the chiropractic adjustment. Studies in this program attempt to model and test hypotheses with respect to the biomechanical and neurological mechanisms underlying chiropractic concepts and procedures, its research relying heavily on sophisticated technological instrumentation and laboratory controls.

Health Services and Policy Research. Concentrates on studies having to do with the impact of chiropractic in various health delivery systems, including examinations of the role of chiropractic in the evolving managed care industry, assessing patient satisfaction and evaluating cost-effectiveness. Current Projects, Compilation Manual

Research Offices

• Office of Data Management and Biostatistics. Provides a standardized process for data entry and management, and consults on statistical design and analysis for research conducted at the Center. In addition, the Office has the capability of doing work for contract in collaboration with other institutions and scientists.

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