November 2007

ICPA releases preliminary study findings

The International Chiropractic Pediatric Association (ICPA) has released preliminary findings of two practice‑based studies that may provide evidence of the safety and effectiveness of chiropractic care for children.

One study asked doctors of chiropractic to provide information on treatment‑related aggravations, complications and improvements. The ICPA collected data on hundreds of clinical cases and the results, it says, "are astounding." It goes on to observe that the "preliminary data confirms what we have been saying all along ‑‑ chiropractic care of children is safe and effective."

According to the abstract of the paper presented to and accepted for publication by the Annual Symposium on Complimentary Health Care in Exeter, UK, the data was derived from 812 pediatric clinical cases attending a total of 7,436 office visits.

The patients (382 girls and 430 boys) ranged in age from under a day to 18 years. Most (651) of the children were returning patients, 153 were new patients, and a total of 346 were brought in for a "wellness check‑up."

The three most common primary complaints were ear, nose and throat/respiratory disorders followed by musculoskeletal disorders involving the cervical spine and gastrointestinal disorders.

More than 90% of the chiropractors surveyed reported an improvement in their patients' presenting complaints. Of the 812 clinical cases, 717 indicated experiencing an improvement with their presenting symptoms, while 9 patients reported treatment‑related aggravations. These were described as "soreness" or "fussy." No treatment‑related complications were reported.

Even more interesting, the ICPA pointed out, are the findings of improvements unrelated to the presenting complaints. Seventy‑four cases had reported improvements unrelated to their presenting complaints and described as increased range of motion, improved sleep, improved immune function and improved patient mood.

The second survey study asked parents of children under chiropractic care to provide similar information. Several hundred parents have responded so far, representing thousands of chiropractic visits.

Only two cases of treatment‑related aggravations were reported, involving soreness and/or stiffness. The ICPA considers these as minor and self‑limiting and not serious enough for the parent to discontinue chiropractic care for their child.

Additionally, a large percentage of the parents reported an improvement in their children's presenting complaints and also improvements that were unrelated to the initial complaint. Consistent with the DC survey findings, a large number of parents reported an improved disposition in their child, an improved immune function and improved sleep. This study was also accepted for publication by Symposium on Complimentary Health Care.

Both research studies have been written up and also submitted to other scientific journals, including the Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research.

The ICPA will continue to collect data throughout the next several months and invites all doctors of chiropractic to participate. Access to participate and update reports are available on the ICPA doctor's website, www.icpa4kids.com.