The completed first phase of the project involved development of three-dimensional motion analysis methods to determine axes of motion in normal individuals. In addition, a small scale study of 10 patients quantified axes of motion between normal and injured necks. This study has already been accepted for publication. Osterbauer PJ, Derickson KL, Peles JD, Deboer KF, Fuhr AW, Winters JM: 3-D head kinematics and clinical outcome of patients with neck injury treated with spinal manipulation therapy. JMPT 1992, in press.
The second phase of the study will compare 60 normal subjects and 20 patients with varying degrees of neck injury and axes of motion in the cervical spine. A computer graphics program will illustrate measurements of cervical motion. Principal investigator for the current study is Gary Yamaguchi, Ph.D., a Stanford trained mechanical engineer and assistant professor at ASU. Dr. Yamaguchi has previous biomedical engineering research experience through the Rehabilitation Research and Development Center of the Veterans' Administration Medical Center in Palo Alto, California.
Dr. Yamaguchi will collaborate with Kathleen Derickson, B.S.E., biomedical engineer; Paul Osterbauer, D.C.; Randall Widmaier, D.C.; Eric Petermann, D.C.; Jack Winters, Ph.D., (who initiated the project while at ASU); Chris Eblen, Ph.D., and Curt Bay, Ph.D., both biomedical statisticians; and Herman Woltring, Ph.D., a mathematician from the Netherlands.
This second phase of the project is expected to take one-year to complete.
The Kimbles have operated their chiropractic center for more than 30 years. The Kimbles' interest in this project came through their association with Arlan W. Fuhr, D.C., who had established a research collaboration with ASU. As Dr. Kimble's practice emphasizes personal injury cases, he was fascinated with the possibility of objective documentation of subtle cervical changes as a result of whiplash injuries. The Kimbles incredibly generous donation will allow the project to begin its clinical validation studies.
The project has previously received funding from Whiplash, Inc., which will be responsible for developing the project's computer graphics.
The importance of validation of chiropractic care through research has never been more vital. Research, like many other good things in life, is expensive. The magnanimity of the Kimbles is inspiring. It's a testament to the difference individuals can and do make in this world.
Dynamic Chiropractic editorial staff members research, investigate and write articles for the publication on an ongoing basis. To contact the Editorial Department or submit an article of your own for consideration, email
.