Possible Research Projects

There are endless ideas for research projects. In this process, be sure to pick something that you really enjoy and truly want to know more about. Is important to remember that you need to contact James Ivaska or Doug Nelson before you begin your research.  Here are some possibilities. . .

Posterior Inclination and the Muscles Involved

In this study, we are taking people with posterior inclination of the pelvis and measuring the length of the hamstring muscles.

Spinal ROM

As mentioned in the Spine and Thorax and Form and Function seminars, we have a way to precisely measure spinal ROM but no norms are known. We can only measure the increase after treatment, not the variance from accepted norms.

In this study, we will measure 1,000 spines, cross referenced by gender, age, and height to ascertain some sort of norm.

Swing Speed Study- Golf

In order to hit a golf ball farther and faster, great ROM of the thoracic spine is needed. In this study, access to computerized golf swing analysis is needed. These are much more readily available than ever before, mostly by golf pros and coaches.

In the study, participants will hit several balls, having their clubhead speed measured via the computer. After PNMT of the thoracic spine, the clubhead speed will again be measured. Greater clubhead speed means greater distance of the ball, something every golfer desires!

Swing Speed Study- Baseball

Much like golf, the speed of the swing is very important in baseball. Using sensitive eqipment, we will measure swing speed and the ROM of the batter, treat the soft tissue, and remeasure.

Reduced Cervical Curve

In this study, subjects are chosen who have reduced cervical curve as revealed by radiographs. Subjects are treated and a new X-ray is taken at the end of four months. We are looking to see what effect PNMT may have on restoring the cervical curve.
Psoas and Height

In this study, you will be repeating a study that was already done by us. A subject is measured as to his/her height and then the Psoas is treated. We then measure the height post-treatment. This study has already been done with specific age groups and demographics. We are looking for more subjects at different age groups and genders. what we want to see is of the effect diminishes at a specific age and whether gender has a role.

Proprioception and Injury

Clients who have injury often seem to have altered proprioceptive capability versus health normal controls. While this seems to be true in the clinic, is it really true?

Antagonist/Agonist Lengths:  If the antagonist muscle is shortened i.e. less than normal ROM will the agonist muscle be lengthened, i.e. above normal ROM.  This project is examining muscles in the arm that perform internal and external ROM.

Common Hockey Injuries:  What are common muscular problems for hockey players?  A project with a professional hockey team to track common issues will hopefully provide insight into any patterns of injury.

Mirror Cell Phenomenon: A project that examines what effects the mirror cell phenomenon could have on movement.  Would seeing unrestricted neck ROM help a subject with restricted neck ROM?  Would seeing restricted neck ROM inhibit motion of someone with no restriction?  These are some questions we hope to begin to answer with this project.

Diaphragm Treatment and Singing    This study wil explore the effect of PNMT on the diaphragm on a singer's ability to hold a note for an extended time period. we may also do a comparative analysis of other respiratory muscles to see which has the greatest effect on holding a sustained note.
               

Humeral External Rotation and Thoracic ROM  In this study, an offshoot of an earlier study, we examine the potential for increased thoracic rotation to affect external rotation of the humerus.

Treatment of the Levator Scapula: A Comparative Analysis   In this study, we will compare three different approaches for treating the Levator Scapula.

Therapy in Motion: A Comparative Analysis  In this study, we compare static compression, static compression with post-treatment passive stretching, and treating with compression and movement combined.

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