Research

2024 Publications

1. Disc Protrusion with Annular Fissure and Radiculopathy Treated with Cox Technic Flexion Distraction Decompression: A Case Report
2. Izadi M, Shafabakhsh S, Mirnateghi A. Use of Beta-Blockers as a first-line treatment for primary hypertension. Use of Beta-Blockers as a First-Line Treatment for Primary Hypertension
3. Spinal Manipulation and Mobilization Forces Delivered Treating Sciatica: A Case Report
4. Intra-Observer Reliability Study of Lumbar Segmental Measurements Utilizing Ultrasonography
5. Illes, J., Rodrigues, J. (2024). The Influence of Celery (Apium graveolens) Juice on Hypertension. In: Mérillon, JM., Riviere, C., Lefèvre, G. (eds) Natural Products in Beverages. Reference Series in Phytochemistry. Springer, Cham.

2023 Publications

1. Changes in Intradiscal Pressure During Flexion-Distraction Type of Chiropractic Procedure: A Pilot Cadaveric Study | Integrative Medicine Reports (liebertpub.com)
2. Intervertebral Movements and Changes in Intervertebral Foraminal Morphology in the Lumbar Spine During a Chiropractic Procedure: A Cadaveric Study | Integrative Medicine Reports (liebertpub.com)
3. Opioid Use Reduction in Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Patients at Three Months Utilizing Manual Spinal Decompression Manipulation | JIANM (ianmmedicine.org)

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approved Research Projects Currently in Progress at KUCCM

1. Prospective study of post-surgical continued pain (PSCP) patients undergoing flexion distraction spinal manipulation. Analysis utilizing the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) and numerical pain scale. This multi-center two-year prospective cohort study has been completed and the data analysis and manuscript preparation are in progress.
2. Prospective study of patients diagnosed with spinal stenosis pain undergoing chiropractic flexion distraction spinal manipulation. The purpose of this 1 ½ year study is to document clinical effects on pain and function. This study is in progress with multiple chiropractic offices collecting data at specified times during the treatment process and long-term follow-up. ​​
3. Ultrasound imaging of lumbar spine during flexion-distraction procedure for lumbar spine. This descriptive observational study aims to understand the mechanism of flexion-distraction treatment by documenting anatomical biomechanical changes in the spine and determining the reliability of the separation distance between bony landmarks using ultrasound imaging.
4. Use of beta-blockers as a first-line treatment of primary hypertension. This review of the literature and clinical trials will compare hypertensive medications and their impact on major cardiovascular complicati

Projects Planned to Initiate During 2022

1. Biomechanical understanding of high velocity low amplitude spinal manipulation by measuring forces and movements utilizing specialized force and motion sensing technology.
2. Training of students using force, movement, and EMG activity measurement during chiropractic manipulation.
3. Understanding and evaluation of flexion-relaxation phenomenon on physically active people vs. sedentary people using surface EMG activity of spinal muscles.

Presentations

• Kruse, R., Gudavalli, M.R., White, B. Ultrasound measurements of lumbar spinous process movement during flexion distraction manipulation. Poster presentation accepted for ACCRAC 2025, New Orleans, LA.
• Kruse, R., Gudavalli, M.R., Panda, C., Williams, K., Nance, B., Metzger, B., Pourafshar, S. ​Efficacy of a 21-day purification program on health biomarkers in a chiropractic college setting. Poster presentation accepted for ACCRAC 2025, New Orleans, LA.
• Gudavalli, MR, Kruse, R, Siciliano, T. Forces measured during treatment of a sciatica patient using flexion distraction. Poster presentation accepted for ACCRAC 2025, New Orleans, LA.
• Castellano, A., Wu, M., DeBono, V.F. Integrative approach to patient care to increase patient outcomes following a medial patellofemoral ligament surgical repair in a collegiate baseball pitcher. Poster presentation accepted for ACCRAC 2025, New Orleans, LA.
• Kruse, R., Gudavalli, M.R. Neck Disability Index Scores at 3 and 12-month follow-up for Treatment of Post-Surgical Cervical Symptoms Utilizing Flexion Distraction Chiropractic Manipulation: A Case Series. Platform presentation. American College of Chiropractic Research Agenda Conference. March 2024, San Diego, CA.
• Kruse, R., Gudavalli, MR, Rogers, C. Opioid Use Reduction in Failed Back Surgery Syndrome Patients at Three Months Utilizing Manual Spinal Decompression Manipulation. Poster presentation.  American College of Chiropractor Research Agenda Conference. March 2024, San Diego, CA.
• Gudavalli, M.R., Kruse, R. In-vivo ultrasound measurement of spinous process separation during axial distraction. Platform presentation. American College of Chiropractic Research Agenda Conference. March 2024, San Diego, CA.
• Poster presentation at Keiser University Research Week, “Prospective Study of Post-Surgical Continued Pain (PSCP) Patients Undergoing Chiropractic Flexion Distraction Spinal Manipulation: Analysis Utilizing Patient-Reported Outcomes at 3 Months.” April 20, 2023, Keiser University flagship campus, West Palm Beach, FL.
• Poster presentation at Keiser University Research Week, “Force-sensing Technology Utilized to Train Spinal Manipulation Skills to First-Year Chiropractic Students.” April 20, 2023, Keiser University flagship campus, West Palm Beach, FL.
• ​Kruse, R., Gudavalli, M.R., Prospective Study of Post-surgical Continued Pain (PSCP) Patients Undergoing Chiropractic Flexion Distraction Spinal Manipulation: Analysis Utilizing Patient-Reported Outcomes at 3 Months. Poster presentation session at the Inaugural International Consortium on Manual Therapies Conference in May 2022
• Kruse, R., Gudavalli M.R., Intra-Observer Reliability of Ultrasound Measurements of Lumbar Spinous Processes in a  Prone Position on a Chiropractic Table. Poster presentation session at the Inaugural International Consortium on Manual Therapies Conference in May 2022
• Gudavalli, M.R., Kruse, R., White, B., Stacey Rider. In-Vivo Measurement of Spinous Process Separation During Axial Distraction. Poster Presentation at the North American Congress on Biomechanics (NACOB 2022), August 20-26, Ottawa, Canada.

Support Us​

To help provide support for our growing research department and become a world leader in chiropractic research, consider a donation to KUCCM. The proceeds will provide the KUCCM research department the opportunity to complete both current and new clinical research studies for conditions commonly treated by chiropractic physicians.