Center for Scholarly Activity
Advancing Chiropractic Through Research
Departmental Mission
The Center for Scholarly Activity is committed to improving the teaching and practice of chiropractic in a salutogenic, evidence-informed context focused on the analysis and correction of vertebral subluxations.
Obsessed with Student Success
To support this mission, center personnel:
1 Create and maintain a positive, nurturing culture among students toward research and scholarly activities (RASA) as well as evidence-informed, vertebral subluxation centered practice in a vitalistic, salutogenic model.
2 Assist students in coordinating and integrating college resources to achieve their academic and clinical goals related to research and evidence-informed practice.
3 Provide support for students seeking assistance with literature search, research design and implementation, and manuscript preparation.
4 Provide support for students seeking assistance with literature retrieval, clinical assessment, and research to empower them with critical thinking skills necessary for success in the Health Center and private practice.
5 Integrate feedback from students and faculty to ensure relevance, excellence, and accountability in evidence-informed curriculum and practice.
Integrating Evidence-Informed Practice
Evidence-Informed curriculum and practice is an essential element of implementing our core values. Here’s how we approach it:
Evaluate
Review each course to determine whether the material is supported by scientific literature, textbooks, clinical expertise, or a combination of these sources.
Identify
Pinpoint areas where evidence is limited or missing in the current curriculum.
Research
Search existing literature to find studies or resources that can help fill those gaps.
Recommend
Use findings to inform updates to curriculum and policies, ensuring alignment with evidence-informed principles.
Advance
Guide future research efforts to address unanswered questions and continue strengthening the academic foundation.
OUR RESEARCH
Video Presentations
OUR RESEARCH
Publications
Current Research Projects
(updated 04/07/2025)
- Attaway (PI). Analysis of Increased Metabolic Waste After Upper Cervical Care
- Becker (co-PI), Attaway (co-PI), Lerner, Brewster. A comparison between cervical proprioception and body sway as assessments for sensory motor integration.
- Becker, D.C., M.Ed. (PI), Theodossis, D.C. (CI), Hamstead, D.C. (CI) and Brewster, D.C. (CI). The relationship between atlas laterality and anterior rotation to increased tubotympanic angles and decreased eustachian tube angles derived from cone beam computed tomography studies.
- Dr. Daniel Becker (PI), Dr. Jessica Caruso (CI), Soren Harajdic (CI), Dr. Christine Theodossis, Dr. Alan Brewster (CI), and Dr. Princess Porter-Fowler. Correlation of the two seated iliac crest height assessments to prone and supine functional leg length assessments.
- Boles (PI), Reizer. The relationship between empathy and stress levels in chiropractic students during clinical phases of training.
- Brewster (PI), Becker, Fehl, Schwartzbauer. Novel video to enhance effectiveness of chiropractic adjusting technique instruction for the correction of vertebral subluxation.
- Brewster, Yachter, Ludovici. Reliability of Chiropractic Examination Techniques: An Initial Review of the Literature Accumulated by the Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation. (with students Ludovici, Piergentilli)
- Elder G (PI), Cook M, Jensen J, Brewster A, Clark M. Inter- and intraexaminer reliability of the Blair protractoview method an examination of a chiropractic radiographic technique utilizing volumetric cone-beam computed tomography.
- Devlin (PI), Becker, Kuhta. Correlation of cervicothoracic junction visual and line analysis on APOM and AP thoracic spine sectional radiographs.
- Porter-Fowler (PI), Becker (CI), Caruso (CI), Soren Harajdic (CI), and Brewster (CI). The relationship between head relocation errors and cervical syndromes.
- Hock (PI), Layden. Improved Tourette’s and OCD in a pediatric patient Subluxation-Based Chiropractic Care: A Case Study.
- Hock (PI); Spoelstra. Practice-Based Research Network Study: Chiropractic and Functional Brain Development Relationships and Improvements
- Hock S (PI), Madden S. Work life balance: the pandemic’s impact on women in higher education.
- Kenya C (PI), Hudson, Kenya A, Martin, Brewster. A Viability Study on vertebral subluxation correction impact on the Pittsburgh Sleep Index, Perceived Stress Scale, and short version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale.
- Lerner (PI), Becker, Hock, Brewster. The effect of a single upper cervical chiropractic adjustment on center of pressure excursions.
- Sanderson, D (PI). Comparison of chiropractic student physiology NBCE Part I scores after increasing frequency and length of summative course exams.
- Theodossis, D.C., Becker, D.C., M.Ed. (PI), Guest, D.C. (CI), Brewster, D.C. (CI), (CI) and Kuhta, D.C. (CI). Agreement of Atlas listings derived from cervical spine radiographs compared to listings determined from pressure tests and the most tender side.
2025 Research
(In Progress)
- Becker, D., Theodossis, C., Schwartzbauer, M., Brewster, A. Technique Protocols for Evaluating Supine Functional Leg Length Inequality: Comparison of Two Technique Protocols Using the Cervicocephalic Kinesthetic Sensibility Test as a Standard Measure. Journal of Upper Cervical Chiropractic Research, 2025, 6-15.
- Hamstead, A. (2025). Resolution of Constipation in an Infant Following Chiropractic Care to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Study. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Chiropractic, 2025, 1-6. https://vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2024/12/08/1856-resolution-of-constipation-following-chiropractic-care-to-reduce-vertebral-subluxation-in-an-infant-with-birth-trauma-a-case-study/
2024 Research
- Hamstead, A. Reduction of Upper Back Pain and Resolution of Sciatica Following Chiropractic Care to Reduce Vertebral Subluxation in a 30-Year-Old Female with Scoliosis: A Case Study. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 2024, 8-14.
- Harrington, B. (2024). From Practitioner to Professor: Individualized Faculty Development Bridges the Gap from Content Knowledge to Teaching Excellence. The Journal of Faculty Development, 38(3), 15-21. https://www.ingentaconnect.com/contentone/magna/jfd/2024/00000038/00000003/art00003.
- Haas, A., Chung, J., Kent, C., Mills, B., McCoy, M. (2024). Vertebral Subluxation and Systems Biology: An Integrative Review Exploring the Salutogenic Influence of Chiropractic Care on the Neuroendocrine-Immune System. Cureus, 16(3), e56223. doi:10.7759/cureus.56223.
- Kent, C. (2024). Assessment of Somatic and Autonomic Nervous System Changes Associated with Vertebral Subluxation: A Review and Commentary. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 2024, 86 – 97.
2023 Research
- Becker, D., Brewster, A., Hodges, E., Devlin, M., Fehl, W. (2023). A Comparison of Radiographic and Visual Analysis Methods for Determining Pelvic Misalignments: A Pilot Study. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 2023, 76-83. https://vertebralsubluxationresearch.com/2023/01/22/1836-a-comparison-of-radiographic-and-visual-analysis-methods-for-determining-pelvic-misalignments-a-pilot-study/
- Harrington, B. (2023). Transforming the delivery of chiropractic education through the strategic integration of educational technology in a chiropractic college program. Journal of Chiropractic Education, 37(2), 106-115. https://doi.org/10.7899/JCE-21-17.
- Porter-Fowler, P., Becker, D., Brewster, A. (2023). The relationship between cervical syndrome and cervical proprioception in asymptomatic chiropractic college students: A pilot study. Ann Vert Sublux Res, 2023, 71-75.
- Arnone, P., Kraus, S., Farmen, D., Lightstone, D., Jaeger, J., Theodossis, C. (2023). Examining Clinical Opinion and Experience Regarding Utilization of Plain Radiography of the Spine: Evidence from Surveying the Chiropractic Profession. J Clin Med, 12(6), 2169. doi:10.3390/jcm12062169.
2022 Research
- Becker D (PI), Brewster A, Browning J ,Theodossis C, Treharne H, Orcena T, The Relationship Between Cervicocephalic Repositioning Errors and Subluxation Pattern in Asymptomatic Chiropractic College Students, Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. September 6, 2022. 82-90.
- Becker D (PI), Brewster A, Orndorff L, Theodossis C. The Effects of Lateral Malpositioning of a Lumbopelvic Phantom on Chiropractic Pelvic Listings. Ann Vert Sublux Res. 11/2021. [Also presented Sherman College IRAPS 2022]
- Brewster A (PI), Seay, C., sEMG Analysis of Lumbar Paraspinal Muscle Recruitment During Chiropractic Cervical Syndrome Evaluation: A Pilot Study. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research. Vol.2022.
- Brewster A (PI). Theodossis C., Greene-Orndorff L. Prevalence of Elongated Styloid in Relation to Atlas Transverse Process. Sherman College IRAPS 2022.
- DeNunzio, G., Evans, T., Beebe, M. E., Browning, J., & Koivisto, J. (2022). Craniocervical Junction Visualization and Radiation Dose Consideration Utilizing Cone Beam Computed Tomography for Upper Cervical Chiropractic Clinical Application a Literature Review. Dose-Response, 20(2). [Sherman faculty italicized]
- Elder G (PI), BS, DC, Mercedes Cook, DC, Jordan Jensen, DC, Alan Brewster, DC, Mark Clark, PhD. Inter- and intra-examiner reliability of the Blair protractoview method an examination of a chiropractic radiographic technique utilizing volumetric cone-beam computed tomography. Sherman College IRAPS 2022. [Sherman faculty italicized]
- Goff R (PI). Case study: 52‐year‐old Binocular Horizontal Diplopia Responds Favorably Under EPIC (Evolutionary Percussive Instrument Correction) Chiropractic Care. Sherman College IRAPS 2022.
- Hock S (PI), Miller, Resolution of Defiant Behavior and Improved Speech in a Non-Verbal Toddler Following Reduction of Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Study. Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic ~ March 25, 2022 ~ Pages 17-21.
- Hock S (PI). Spoelstra A. Improved Brain Development in 37 Children Undergoing Chiropractic Care for Correction of Vertebral Subluxation: A Retrospective Analysis of Health Outcomes Journal of Pediatric, Maternal & Family Health, Chiropractic. October 3, 2022. 86-94.
- Kent C, D.C., J.D. Salutogenesis, Stress Responsivity, and Neurobiological Mechanisms Associated with Vertebral Subluxation. Review and Commentary. Sherman College IRAPS 2022.
2021 Research
- Kent C. (2021) Prevalence of Abnormal Findings in 686 Patients Referred for Cervical Spine and Lumbar Spine MRI Examinations by Doctors of Chiropractic and Potential Neurological Consequences Associated with Vertebral Subluxation. J Neurosurg Imaging Techniques, 6(S1): 02 (Abstract from conference proceedings).
- Kent C: The Mental Impulse: Traditional and Contemporary Models. The Journal of the Academy of Chiropractic Philosophers. Volume 6, Winter 2021. Pages 28-47.
- Kenya A: Association Between Resting Heart Rate and Grade Point Average. USC Upstate Research Symposium, April 9, 2021. Poster presentation.
- McCoy M, Kent C, Stiles A, Kwon A, Haas A, Chung J, Shtulman I, Candelaria-Perez SM, Long C, Mills B, Gutierrez V: Best Practices/Practice Guidelines. Immunity & Chiropractic Clinical Practice. Foundation for Vertebral Subluxation Best Practices Initiative. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ March 29, 2021 ~ Pages 24-35.
- Kent C: Salutogenesis, Stress Responsivity, and Neurobiological Mechanisms Associated with Vertebral Subluxation. Review and Commentary. Global Summit on Neurology. NeuroSummit 2021. June 6-7, 2021.
- Kenya, A. ., & Vuyiya, C. (2020). The Neurobiological Effect of Anxiety and Depression on Memory in Academic Learning: A Literature Review . Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic, 3(1), 36–44.
- Kenya, A., Hart, J. ., & Kenya, C. (2021). Association Between Resting Heart Rate and Grade Point Average. Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic, 4(1), 79–82.
- Kent C, Costello K: Prevalence of Abnormal Findings in a Cohort of 737 Patients Referred for MRI Examination by Doctors of Chiropractic and Potential Neurological Consequences Associated with Vertebral Subluxation. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ August 1, 2021 ~ Pages 53-61
2020 Research
- Kumar P: The Anatomy of the Immune System Applied to Chiropractic & Vertebral Subluxation. Conference on Immunity & Chiropractic: The Global Burden of Vertebral Subluxation, Spartanburg, SC, October 24-25, 2020.
- Lancaster T: The Physiology of the Immune System Applied to Chiropractic & Vertebral Subluxation. Conference on Immunity & Chiropractic: The Global Burden of Vertebral Subluxation, Spartanburg, SC, October 24-25, 2020.
- Decken W: The Role of Adaptability and Expression in Chiropractic and Immunity. Conference on Immunity & Chiropractic: The Global Burden of Vertebral Subluxation, Spartanburg, SC, October 24-25, 2020.
- Kent C: Research, Legal, and Policy Issues Related to Chiropractic and Immunity. Conference on Immunity & Chiropractic: The Global Burden of Vertebral Subluxation, Spartanburg, SC, October 24-25, 2020.
- T Lancaster: Morphological Grouping and Body Mass Prediction Models. Society of Vertebrate Paleontologists Annual Meeting, Oct. 2020
- D Vaamonde, A C Hackney, J M Garcia Manso, E Arriaza Ardiles, M Vaquero, Birth sex ratio in the offspring of professional male soccer players: influence of exercise training load, Human Reproduction, deaa225, https://doi.org/10.1093/humrep/deaa225
- Matthew McCoy, D.C., M.P.H.; Suzzanne M. Candelaria-Perez, B.Sc.; Christopher Kent, D.C., J.D.; Christie Kwon, D.C., M.S., M.P.H.(C); Anquonette Stiles, D.C., M.P.H.; Christopher Long, B.S., and Brooke Mills, A.A.: A Scoping Review of Salivary Tests for Immunoglobulin A, Cortisol, and C-Reactive Protein in Consideration of Their Use as Immune Biomarkers in Chiropractic Research. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, Volume 2020
- Matthew McCoy, D.C., M.P.H.; Christopher Kent, D.C., J.D.; Anquonette Stiles, D.C., M.P.H.; Christie Kwon D.C., M.S., M.P.H.(C); Suzzanne M. Candelaria-Perez, B.Sc.; Christopher Long, B.S.; and Brooke Mills, A.A.: Immune Function, Chiropractic and Vertebral Subluxation: A Multi-Pronged Project to Address Fundamental Questions in an Evidence Informed Framework. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, Volume 2020
- Matthew McCoy, D.C., M.P.H.; Christopher Kent, D.C., J.D.; Suzzanne M. Candelaria-Perez, B.Sc.; Anquonette Stiles, D.C., M.P.H.; Christie Kwon, D.C., M.S., M.P.H.(C); Christopher Long, B.S., and Brooke Mills, A.A.: A Scoping Review of Chiropractic, Vertebral Subluxation and Immune Function with Implications for Development of a Protocol for Measurement of Immune Biomarkers in Chiropractic Research and the Development of Related Policy. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, Volume 2020
- Matthew McCoy D.C., M.P.H.; Christopher Kent, D.C., J.D.; Simon Senzon, D.C., M.A., Ph.D.(C); and Phillip Ebrall, B.Apps.Sc. (Chiropr), Ph.D., D.C. (Hon).: A Critical Evaluation of the World Federation of Chiropractic’s Fatally Flawed Review of Immunity and Chiropractic. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, Volume 2020
- Kenya A, Vuyiya CK: The neurobiological effect of anxiety and depression on memory in academic learning: a literature review. J Contemporary Chiropractor 2020;3:36-44.
- Li M, Liu Z, Qian B, Liu W, Horimoto K, Xia J, She M, Wang W, Zhou H, Chen L: “Dysfunctions” induced by Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery are concomitant with metabolic improvement independent of weight loss. Cell Discov. 2020;6:4. Published 2020 Jan 28. doi:10.1038/s41421-019-0138-2
- Kent C: Putative neurobiological mechanisms associated with vertebral subluxation: A review and update. International Conference on Neurology and Neuroscience. Rome, Italy. March 4-5, 2020.
- Hock S, McIntyre M: Reduction of Neck Pain and Immobility in a 78-Year-Old Patient with Severe Degenerative Disc Disease and Osteoporosis Using Gonstead Chiropractic Care for Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Study. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ April 6, 2020 ~ Pages 43-49.
2019 Research
- Kent C: Proposed Neurobiological Processes Associated with Models of Vertebral Subluxation: Dysafferentation, Dyskinesia, Dysponesis, Dysautonomia, Neuroplasticity and Ephaptic Transmission. Archives in Neurology & Neuroscience 2019;3(1):1-3.
- Kent C: Prevalence of abnormal findings in a cohort ofpatients referred for cervical spine MRI examination by doctors of chiropractic and potential neurological consequences associated with vertebral subluxation. Global Congress on Neurology & Neuroscience. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. July 17-18, 2019.
- Kent C: Neurological Consequences of Spinal Degenerative Disease Associated With Vertebral Subluxations. European Neurology Congress. Venice, Italy. June 19-20, 2019.
- Christopher Kent, Developing an Evidence-Informed Culture at Sherman College of Chiropractic, 16th Annual International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Boiling Springs, SC. October 12-13, 2019.
- Alan Brewster, A Literature Review of L5 Coupled Motion to Increase Specificity of Vertebral Subluxation Evaluation, 16th Annual International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Boiling Springs, SC. October 12-13, 2019.
- Daniel J. Becker and Brian Dooley, An Investigation of Glial Scarring & Myelin Inhibitors Through the Lens of the 33 Chiropractic Principles, 16th Annual International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Boiling Springs, SC. October 12-13, 2019.
- Terry E. Lancaster, Evidence of the Intelligence of Life, 16th Annual International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Boiling Springs, SC. October 12-13, 2019.
- Christopher Kent, Neurological Consequences of Spinal Degenerative Disease Associated With Vertebral Subluxations, 16th Annual International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Boiling Springs, SC. October 12-13, 2019.
- Bill Decken, The Importance of Worldview, 16th Annual International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Boiling Springs, SC. October 12-13, 2019.
2018 Research
- Kent C, Vertebral Subluxation: Semantic Pathology, Epistemic Trespassing, and Ethics, J. Philosophy, Principles & Practice of Chiropractic — July 23, 2018
- Kent C (2018) Chiropractic and Mental Health: History and Review of Putative Neurobiological Mechanisms. Jou Neuro Psy An Brain Res: JNPB-103.
- Stephens, S. and Alcantara, J. Evidence-Based Practice Attitudes and Utilization Survey (EBASE) of Chiropractic Students, The 25th ACC Research Agenda Conference (ACC-RAC) 2018 (March 8-10), Dallas, TX.
- Brewster A, and Seay C. sEMG Analysis of Lumbar Paraspinal Muscle Recruitment During Chiropractic Cervical Syndrome Evaluation, A Pilot Study. The 15th International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Spartanburg, SC. 2018 (October 6-7) [platform].
- Fedorchuk, C, Comer, R.; Lightstone, D.; McCoy M.; Kent, C.; and Boningo, J.; The Prevalence of Vertebral Subluxation in Patients Presenting to a Private Chiropractic Clinic over a Six Year Period The 15th International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Spartanburg, SC. 2018 (October 6-7) [platform].
- Boles, R.; Myers, T.: and Luo, P.G. Chiropractic Care for a Student Athlete Playing Collegiate Sports. The 15th International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Spartanburg, SC. 2018 (October 6-7) [platform].
- Dooley, B.; and Lancaster, T. E.; Treading on Galen’s Last Nerve. The 15th International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Spartanburg, SC. 2018 (October 6-7) [platform].
- Kent C, Vertebral Subluxation: Semantic Pathology, Epistemic Trespassing, and Ethics. The 15th International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Spartanburg, SC. 2018 (October 67) [platform].
- Decken, B.; The Restoration Cycle. The 15th International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Spartanburg, SC. 2018 (October 6-7) [platform].
- Harrington, B.; Transforming Chiropractic Education Through the Use of Technology. The 15th International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Spartanburg, SC. 2018 (October 67) [platform].
- Kwon, C.; McCoy, M.; and Kent, C. An Advanced Imaging Research Agenda for the Evaluation of Vertebral Subluxation and Clinical Outcomes Related to its Management. The 15th International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Spartanburg, SC. 2018 (October 67) [platform].
- Donofrio, J.; The Chiropractic Philosophic Principles of Momentum & Survival Value as Self-evident Physiologic Principles of Adaptation and Resilience. The 15th International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Spartanburg, SC. 2018 (October 6-7) [platform].
- Kent, C.; Heart Rate Variability: Vertebral Subluxation vs. Spinal Manipulation – a Review. The 15th International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Spartanburg, SC. 2018 (October 6-7) [platform].
2017 Research
- Christopher Kent, An Evidence-Informed Approach to Spinal Radiography in Vertebral Subluxation Centered Chiropractic Practice. Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, August 31, 2017, Pages 142-146. [Journal]
- Justin Dick, Sarah Hock, Improved Health Outcomes in a Military Veteran Following Vertebral Subluxation Based Chiropractic Care: A Case Report.Annals of Vertebral Subluxation Research, September 7, 2017, Pages 147-151. [Journal]
- Christopher Kent, Heart Rate Variability to Assess the Changes in Autonomic Nervous System Function Associated With Vertebral Subluxation. RRNS, 2017, Volume 1, Issue 3 page 14-21, [Journal]
- Brian Dooley, DC, John Hart, DC and Joel Alcantara, DC, The quality of life of chiropractic students using the Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System. DC 2017 (ACC-RAC), Washington D.C. [Poster].
- Tate Gentile, Brian Dooley, and Joel Alcantara, The Interpersonal Process of Care Experienced by Patients in a Chiropractic Teaching Clinic. DC 2017 (ACC-RAC), Washington D.C. [Poster].
- Amilliah W. Kenya, John Hart, Charles K. Kenya, Comparison of basic science NBCE scores between tutors and tutees. DC 2017 (ACC-RAC), Washington D.C. [Poster].
- Tate Gentile, Philosophical Reasoning for Objective Neurological indicators in the Care for Children, 14th Annual International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Spartanburg, SC. 2017 [platform].
- Sarah Hock, Current Research Projects in Conjunction with Interns at a Chiropractic College. 14th Annual International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Spartanburg, SC. 2017 [platform].
- Christopher Kent. Vertebral Subluxation, Critical Thinking, and Evidence-Informed Practice. 14th Annual International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Spartanburg, SC. 2017 [platform].
- Bill Decken. What is Radical Science? 14th Annual International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Spartanburg, SC. 2017 [platform].
- Brian Dooley. Interactive Patient Education. 14th Annual International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Spartanburg, SC. 2017 [platform].
- Ron Castellucci. Visual Analysis of an Infant with an Anterior Inferior Sacrum: An Observational Study. 14th Annual International Research and Philosophy Symposium, Spartanburg, SC. 2017 [platform].