This project seeks to investigate the second ASRF Research Agenda point, which is “Can subluxations be identified validly, reliably and reproducibly?”. To do this, we are proposing to measure the kinematics of spinal motion with a three-dimensional motion capture system and characterise changes in movement associated with spinal segmental levels that have been identified as being subluxated. This study is a collaborative study between the New Zealand College of Chiropractic and Aalborg University in Denmark. This study will be carried out in the state-of-the-art 3D motion capture laboratories located at Aalborg University.

Grant Value: $80,000 (a joint venture project with ASRF and The Hamblin Trust)
Chief Investigator: Dr Imran Khan Niazi – New Zealand College of Chiropractic
Status: In Progress

Researcher Updates:

  • July 2024
    The data analysis is underway but it is very complex high density EMG data, and it is taking much longer than anticipated to analyse. For example, the data analysis just for the flexion task at one speed took almost 800 hours to complete. It is estimated that the project will be completed by the end of 2025.

  • October 2023
    We have finished data collection.  We collected data on 3D biomechanics of the lumbar spine during lumbar flexion, extension, rotation, and lateral flexion at two different speeds of movement.
  • March 2022
    Covid has caused numerous and significant delays. We did secure funding from another funding body to investigate the     neurophysiological aspects of subluxated and non-subluxated individuals using High-density EMG. So, the data we have already collected will provide us with greater clarity about the neurophysiological aspects of vertebral subluxations. Also, we added the question of investigating the effects of a single session of chiropractic care on the biomechanics and neurophysiological aspects of subluxation.

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