The ASRF has had a very productive year, focusing on funding research, expanding our global reach and providing members with valuable resources. Recently, Clare spent some time chatting with ASRF board President, Dr. Ryan Seaman as he reflected on 2024.
“We started another year by funding more research, as we do every year. We’ve done amazing things on a limited budget,” says Dr. Ryan, “we’ve kicked a lot of goals this year.”
Dr Ryan was thrilled that the ASRF was seeing a massive impact in chiropractic literature worldwide, and he can’t wait to see it go up even further. “We do have global reach, and the only reason we are called ASRF is that we were founded here in Australia. We fund research around the world.”
He also recognised the efforts of our North American Board Members who promote ASRF at every event they attend, noting how generous they are with their time to help get the word out there. “As we moved more globally and had more people speaking overseas, we pulled a few more global members. It’s been great to see membership numbers creeping up again.” While on the topic of Board Members, Dr. Ryan was excited to have welcomed a new Board Member, Dr Christie Kwon, who “has a strong research background and chiropractic education.”
Dr Ryan was particularly proud of the added benefits for members, including social media posts and handouts to download and personalise with your practice logos, “We just want the research out there, and it’s a great way to share with your practice members.”
Discussing the research-to-reality project that kicked off this year, Dr Ryan said, “Clare and her team have been flat-out working on that. To see the fruits of your labour coming through from about July this year, which was awesome.”
Dr Ryan spoke about the shift from pain-based research to functional health outcomes and quality of life. Measuring different outcomes beyond pain. Using long-term tools and how to use them better in practice. Finding a way to measure outcomes more than pain-based in the research. Most of the research focuses on conditions and pain, but we are missing out on a lot of the benefits.
Earlier in the year, we held a conference, but we are taking a break for a while and spending the money on getting more research out. We’d also love to get some co-funding for the studies we can’t fund this year.
While discussing the shift in focus in the past few years from stress, immunity and adaptability to functional health outcomes and quality of life, Dr. Ryan emphasised the importance of measuring outcomes beyond pain. “Most of our research, unfortunately, looks at conditions or pain. And when only looking at those two things, we’re missing a lot of the benefits.” He believes it’s important we gather research from all ages, from paediatrics to geriatrics.
Whilst on the contentious topic of paediatrics and chiropractic care, Dr Ryan was asked what role he believes research has in the conversations. “We’ve recently been in contact with the CDC, and they’ve asked us to compile any of the research we have on paediatrics.” He mentioned that there are larger group studies and individual studies. “I’d like to see some more functional outcomes in our paediatric groups that are measured beyond pain.”
We can’t wait to see what lies in store for the next twelve months. But in the mean time, it’s been a joy serving the profession. We will see you in the new year!
