September 2007

ICPA announces preliminary results of studies

TheInternational Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) has launched two practice-based research studies regarding the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care for children, and preliminary data supports the association’s stance that chiropractic care for children is safe and effective.

One study, titled “Treatment-related aggravations, complications and improvements attributed to chiropractic spinal manipulative therapy of pediatric patients: A practice-based survey of practitioners,” asked DCs to provide information about treatment-related aggravations, complications, and improvements. Preliminary data collected from hundreds of clinical cases suggest chiropractic care is safe and effective for children. Regarding safety, only minor and self-limiting aggravations, such as soreness, have been reported, but only in less than a handful of thousands of patient visits. There were no reported treatment-related complications, such as cerebrovascular accidents, fractures, dislocations, etc.

With treatment-related improvements as a result of chiropractic care, more than 90 percent of chiropractors reported an improvement in their patients’ presenting complaints. Findings also show improved disposition and improved immune function in the children.

 The second survey study asked parents (independent of the chiropractor) of children receiving chiropractic care to provide similar information. So far, they have confirmed what the chiropractors reported. Only two cases of treatment-related aggravations were reported. Additionally, a large percentage of parents reported an improvement in their children’s presenting complaints, as well as improvements in their children’s disposition, immune function, and sleep.

The ICPA submitted its preliminary findings to two research conferences: the Association of Chiropractic Colleges and the Research Agenda Conference, scheduled for March 2008, and the Exeter Symposium, scheduled to be held in the United Kingdom in December.

Data is still being collected for the studies. All DCs interested in participating should visit www.icpa4kids.com

Source: International Chiropractic Pediatric Association, www.icpa4kids.com

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