Report from the Research Committee

December 2005
(Drs Bablis, Walker & Pollard)

Introduction
We’ve been having a busy time in Australia and things are really “hotting” up here, with activity in three primary areas — publications, grants, and research studies.

Publications

1. Interexaminer Reliability of the Deltoid and Psoas Muscle Test
   by H. Pollard, B. Lakay, F. Tucker, B. Watson, and P. Bablis was published in The Journal of Manipulative Physiological Theraputics. The paper examined the manual muscle test procedures using the anterior deltoid or psoas. Results showed good interexaminer reliability for the experieenced and/or novice user.


2. Practitioner Perceptions of Emotions Associated with Pain: A Survey
   by S. Walker, P. Bablis, H. Pollard, and A. McHardy was published in the Journal of Chiropractic Medicine. This paper reflected a survey of chiropractors in Australia, New Zealand, North America, and Canada and found that a substantial number (80-90%) of practitioners believed that emotional factors influence pain syndromes.


3. Reflections of the "Type O" Disorder
   by H. Pollard was published in the Journal of Manipulative Physiological Theraputics. This paper introduced the biopsychosocial model and outlined why it is important to consider cognitive and limbic system factors in the management of chronic conditions.


4. The Biopsychosocial Model and Hypothyroidism
   by B. Brown, R. Bonello, and H. Pollard was published in Chiropractic & Osteopathy. This paper comments on the evolution of the biiopsychosocial model and its close association withpain theory in relation to hypothyroidism.


5. Are Chronic Low Back Pain Outcomes Improved with Co-management of Concurrent Depression?
   by P. Middleton and H. Pollard was published in Chiropractic & Osteopathy. Evidence in literature demonstrates a need to draw treatment options form many source, including emotional support, counseling and herbal advice.


6. Neuro Emotional Technique Management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Induced Anovulation: Report of an Uncontrolled Case Series
   by P. Bablis, H. Pollard, and A. McHardy has been accepted and will be published in the Chiropractic Journal of Australia.

In addition, several papers have been completed and submitted for future publication. If you would like more information on the above papers, please visit our website: www.onefoundation.org

Grants
In addition to our current clinical activities, we have been accessing external funding sources for our research efforts.

Drs. Brown, Bonello, Pollard, and Bablis have successfully been awarded a grant of $28,000 from the Australian Spinal Research Foundation for the study “The Effects of NET on Hypothyroidism.” A second grant for $25,000 has been received from a patient of Certified NET Practitioner Dr. Peter Bablis, and this money has been given to Macquarie University with the designation that it is to be used for research related to NET.

Current Research Studies
The following manuscripts are in a early stage of preparation and are expected to be submitted to a peer reviewed journal sometime in the next 6-9 months

1. The Low Back Pain Study
   In this study the treatment group will be compared to a control group, which will receive a sham treatment. We will be assessing various blood and urine factors, paper-based outcome measures of pain disability, and general health. This study will not only demonstrate that NET is successful, but it will also provide information on potential mechanisms of the changes. It is hoped that this study will become a defining study for NET.


2. The NET New Patient Scope of Practice Study
   This study has collected several hundred consecutive new patient data forms. These forms have been entered into an extensive spreadsheet and will soon be analyzed. It is expected that the data will reveal the scope of conditions treated by NET practitioners.


3. The Trigger Point Study
   This study has been completed and statistically analyzed. The data revealed a significant improvement in trigger point sensitivity after the application of one NET treatment.


4. The DRAM Study
   This study, which uses DRAM (Distress and Risk Assessment Method), is almost complete. It is a three-month study of approximately 180 patients, evaluating the emotional factors associated with their conditions.
   

To summarize, we have had great success in recent months, and we expect to have more. We leave you with the thought that more papers are in preparation, further grants are being sought, and more research will be sent for peer review. It is fair to say that NET research is on the map and is only going to grow in time. We hope that you are as excited about this as we are.

Dr Henry Pollard DC, PhD
Director of Research
ONE Research Foundation
On behalf of the Research Committee

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