January 2007

Research from head to toe

by Dr. Terry A. Rondberg

When it comes to the subject of research ‑‑ clearly the hottest topic in chiropractic ‑‑ it isn't a scientist, educator or researcher that first comes to mind for many doctors. Instead, they think of the name Foot Levelers. That's because the company, headed first by Dr. Monte Greenawalt and now by his son, Kent Greenawalt, has generously funded many of the profession's research efforts.

Just last year, New York Chiropractic College dedicated the Foot Levelers Biomechanics Research Laboratory housed on its campus in Seneca Falls, NY. Foot Levelers' funding for equipment and research enabled establishment of the nation's first biomechanical laboratory in a chiropractic setting.

Foot Levelers also donated $1 million to help fund Northwestern Health Sciences University's building expansion program, bringing the company's total donations to more than $1.6 million.

The company also donated more than a quarter of a million dollars to Palmer College of Chiropractic to create the Foot Levelers Center, consisting of two high‑tech classrooms that offer state‑of‑the‑art audio and visual equipment.

Of course, as almost all DCs know, this philanthropy in the cause of research is nothing new for the company. In 1985, Foot Levelers donated $250,000 to Northwestern College of Chiropractic to establish a research chair at the school. This chiropractic research grant sparked the creation of an entire research department at NWCC.

What many DCs don't know, however, is that Foot Levelers also relies on scientific research to help design their products and validate the use of orthotics in chiropractic offices.

According to one research study, published in Practical Research Studies, at least 75% of the population has some degree of leg length inequality, caused either by an anatomical defect such as a bone fracture or surgery, or by excessive and/or asymmetrical pronation. [1]

Another study showed that excessive foot pronation in either one foot or both feet can cause pathology throughout the musculoskeletal system. [2]

And, in 1999, research published in Clinical Biomechanics demonstrated that "there are small, but important, intersegmental movements of the spine during gait." [3]

There are numerous other studies that support these conclusions, so it's fairly reasonable to assume that the foot bones really are connected to the back bones ... and a defect in the former can cause a problem in the latter. That's why the feet are part of the chiropractic "domain."

We also know, thanks to research, that orthotics can help reduce or eliminate many of the foot and gait problems we see in chiropractic patients. The overall effectiveness of orthotic devices is extremely high.

According to a Canadian study of the use of orthotics, there was an average improvement in condition for all diagnostic categories of 75.27% and a average total patient satisfaction for all diagnostic categories of 80.23%. [4]

One study ‑‑ specifically focusing on runners using orthotics for plantar fasciitis ‑‑ showed that 74% reported a significant improvement of symptoms and 90% continued to use orthotics even after resolution of symptoms. [5]

It's important to note, too, that orthotics are appreciated by patients and can actually increase their level of satisfaction with chiropractic care. This is undoubtedly based, at least in part, on their realization that orthotics is a way to help them prevent subluxations and possibly reduce their need for adjustments.

Research published in the Spring 2004 issue of The Journal of Chiropractic Education noted that 79% of patients were satisfied with their orthotics and 73% would recommend orthotics to a friend. That means that many DCs who help patients by providing orthotic services end up receiving referrals. No one needs a research study to show that's a significant "bonus" for any practice.

References

1. Yochum TR. "The short leg," (revised). Practical Research Studies 1994; 4(5):4.

2. Hyland JK. "Recurring subluxations linked to pronation." Practical Research Studies 2003; 13(4):1.

3. Sychewska M, Oberg T, Karlsson D. "Segmental movements of the spine during treadmill walking with normal speed." Clin Biomech 1999;14:384‑388.

4. English, E, et. al. "An Analysis of Orthotic Function and Patient Satisfaction," April 2, 1997, Toronto.

5. Gross ML, Davlin LB, Evanski PM. "Effectiveness of orthotic shoe inserts in the long‑distance runner." Am J Sports Med 1991;19:409‑12.

(Dr. Terry Rondberg is president of the World Chiropractic Alliance and publisher of The Chiropractic Journal and the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research. A popular speaker at chiropractic conferences and seminars, Dr. Rondberg is also a frequent guest on TV and radio shows. He has written numerous articles on chiropractic for the profession and the public, as well as several best‑selling books, including "Chiropractic First," "Under the Influence of Modern Medicine," and, with Timothy J. Feuling, the "CBS Malpractice Prevention Program," and "Chiropractic: Compassion and Expectation.")