Volume 35: Issue 1

Objective

To test the posterior-to-anterior stiffness (PAS) of a new thoracic spine training simulator under different conditions of “fixation.”

Methods

We constructed a thoracic spine model using plastic bones and ribs mounted in a wooden box, with skin and soft tissue simulated by layers of silicone and foam. The spine segment could be stiffened with tension applied to cords running through the vertebrae and ribs. We tested PAS at 2 tension levels using a custom-built device to apply repetitive loads at the T6 spinous process (SP) and over adjacent soft tissue (TP) while measuring load and displacement. Stiffness was the slope of the force-displacement curve from 55 to 75 N.

Results

Stiffness in the unconstrained (zero tension) condition over the SP averaged 11.98 N/mm and 6.72 N/mm over the TP. With tension applied, SP stiffness increased to 14.56 N/mm, and TP decreased to 6.15 N/mm.

Conclusion

Thoracic model compliance was similar to that reported for humans. The tension control system increased stiffness by 21.3% only over the SP. Stiffness over the TP was dominated by the lower stiffness of the thicker foam layer and did not change. The mannequin with these properties may be suitable for use in manual training of adjusting or PAS testing skills.

Objective

Cervical spine manipulation is a complex motor skill used to treat musculoskeletal ailments such as neck pain. There is evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of objective feedback and mannequins for the teaching of spinal manipulation (SM) in the thoracic and lumbar spine. This paper examines the effectiveness of an educational intervention combining both mannequins and force-sensing technology for teaching cervical SM.

Methods

Fourth-year chiropractic interns were separated into 2 groups: an intervention group and a group trained with the standard curriculum. The intervention included a 60-minute educational session focused on targeting 100 N total peak force cervical manipulations on mannequins, with objective feedback through force-sensing table technology. Pre- and post-CMs were recorded on both a mannequin and a paired student partner, with an attempt to have a target total peak force of 100 N.

Results

Ninety students were recruited. The invention group (n = 46) scored significantly better at the outcome compared to the control group (n = 44) when manipulating the mannequin (p = .003). These improvements did not carry over when manipulating a paired human partner (p = .067).

Conclusion

Following a 1-hour cervical SM educational intervention utilizing thrusting on mannequins and force-sensing table technology, students demonstrated improved peak force control for SM delivered on the mannequin. However, this improvement was not carried over to SM delivered on human subjects.

Objective

High levels of stress and burnout are known to negatively impact academic success, quality of life, and well-being of students. The purpose of this study was to investigate the degrees of stress and burnout levels of students from several European chiropractic colleges.

Methods

Stress and burnout were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) and the Maslach Burnout Inventory–Student Survey (MBI-SS). Surveys were delivered electronically in November 2017 to chiropractic students from 4 different chiropractic colleges. Data were analyzed using t test and 1-way ANOVA to determine differences between demographic data. Scores in perceived stress and burnout subscales were compared to the general, chiropractic, and medical student populations.

Results

Both the MBI-SS and PSS had similar response rates (30%–34%) and demonstrated statistically significant differences between institutions, with C-3 demonstrating the highest levels of exhaustion (p < .001) and the highest levels of perceived stress (p = .012). MBI-SS results show that in the general chiropractic student population, 26.4% presented high emotional exhaustion, 18.2% high cynicism, and 43.8% low academic efficacy. Meanwhile, the PSS score indicated “moderate” levels of stress.

Conclusions

European chiropractic students experience higher levels of perceived stress than the general population and they may suffer levels of burnout similar to those of medical students. These results suggest that colleges should monitor stress and burnout levels in their students. This may help to establish student support systems in order to improve students' quality of life and academic performance, as well as help new graduates transition to their professional lives.

The conference organizers thank the many reviewers for their wonderful and necessary service. Their work makes the program successful and we are quite grateful.

Medhat Alattar, Robert Appleyard, Barclay Bakkum, Angela Ballew, Deborah Barr, Patrick Battaglia, Judy Bhatti, Charles Blum, Linda Bowers, Rick Branson, Joseph Brimhall, Renee Broughten, Paul Bruno, Kara Burnham, Alana Callender, Jerrilyn Cambron, Marni Capes, Beth Carleo, Jonathan Carlos, Cynthia Chapman, Chin-Suk (John) Cho, Munyeong Choi, Ngai Chow, Jesse Coats, Brian Coleman, Stephan Cooper, Elaine Cooperstein, Robert Cooperstein, Matthew Cote, Brian Cunningham, Zachary Cupler, Stuart Currie, Clinton Daniels, Martin Descarreaux, Scott Donaldson, Paul Dougherty, Stephen Duray, Jonathan

PLATFORM PRESENTATIONS

Symptoms of multiple sclerosis masked as lumbar disc herniation sequalae

Philip Afghani, Melissa Ferranti

Objective: To describe the case of a patient who presented with lumbar disc herniation sequalae that masked symptoms of multiple sclerosis. Clinical Features: A 45-year-old female presented with lower back pain with radiation and paresthesia that were consistent with lumbar disc herniation sequalae from a previous motor vehicle collision (MVC) injury. Interventions and Outcomes: The patient was initially treated with chiropractic care for an MVC 2 years previously. After an initial improvement, her symptomatology improved, and she was released with occasional recurrence of symptoms

Small Teaching Online

Carissa ManriquePhD,

Abdellatif AlsharifPhD,

Kelly BrownMS,

Cynthia CalongneDCS,

Terence CockerhamMA, and

Themba NgwenyaDCS