Network Spinal Analysis  Articles
A Study of Network Patients' Self-reported Outcomes
the studies | results | demographics
| references
How does one evaluate health?
There are two distinct models:
- Biomedical model
- Holistic or Wellness model
The Biomedical model considers the symptoms of a person and his laboratory test
results to assess his/her condition or disease. The Holistic or Wellness model
considers the person, his extent of function, his perceptions, and his overall
quality of life.
Have health professionals studied their patients to demonstrate
the changes across both models of health?
Some studies have been done in various professions. Members of the Association
for Network Care have participated in a study conducted by researchers within
the University of California, Irvine, College of Medicine.
One objective of this study was to develop a patient reported questionnaire
to evaluate health and well being through a wide range of Biomedical and Wellness
indicators incorporating both models. This survey bridges the Biomedical and
Wellness assessments. The study evaluated a population of over 2800 patients
under Network care in the U.S. and abroad. It represents the largest study to
date assessing such a wide range of patient reported health and wellness benefits
of any population. Seventy-six percent (76%) of the patients studied reported
improved combined wellness changes in all categories assessed.
What is Network Care?
Network Care utilizes Network Spinal Analysis (NSA). NSA is a system of assessing
and contributing to spinal and neural integrity, as well as health and wellness.
Practitioners employ gentle force applications to the spine assisting the body's
self-regulation of tension in the neurological system. The body naturally develops
strategies for dissipation of stored tension/energy, thus enhancing self-regulation
of tension and spinal interference.
What trends were seen in patients
receiving this form of care?
An increasing percentage of patients reported progressively greater improvements
in the areas assessed as a function of duration of care; that is, in the population
studied, there was no "ceiling" to the results over time for the
health and wellness categories investigated.
The benefits reported among patient respondents were evident from those as
recent as 1 to 3 months under care to those under care for as long as 3 plus
years. These results have led the investigators to conclude that "within
the boundaries of this study design, these findings provide substantial evidence
that Network Care should be included among those practices with established
health benefits."
What Categories relating to health and wellness have been
investigated, and with what results?
The following categories, with examples from each section, all showed statistical
and clinically significant benefits:
1. Improved Physical State relative to:
- Less physical pain
- Less tension or stiffness of spine
- Improved allergies, eczema, and skin rashes
- Fewer incidences of colds and flu Fewer headaches
- Less menstrual discomfort
2. Improved Mental/Emotional State relative to:
- Improved positive feelings about self
- Less moodiness, angry outbursts, and depression
- More interest in life .
- Improved ability to think and concentrate
- Less anxiety and concern about vague fears
- Improved ability to stay on task Less distress about pain
3. Improved Response to Stress. Less stress relative to:
- Family
- Significant relationship
- Health
- Finances
- Daily problems
- Work
- General well being
4. Improved Life Enjoyment relative to:
- Openness to guidance by "inner voice feelings"
- Experience of relaxation and well being
- Positive feelings about self Interest in maintaining a healthy lifestyle
- Feeling open when relating to others Confidence when dealing with adversity
- Compassion for and acceptance of others
- Incidence of feelings of joy or happiness
5. Improved Overall Quality of Life relative to:
- Personal life
- Oneself
- Extent one adapts to change Handling of problems in life
- Actual life accomplishments
- Life as a whole
- Overall contentment with life Significant other
- Job
- Life being what one wants it to be Romantic life
- Actual work done
- Co-workers
- Physical appearance
In addition to these categories, there was also a significant increase
in health promoting practices and a decrease in health detracting practices.
Demographics
A demographic analysis of the retrospective study (conducted between Nov. 1994
and April 1995) demonstrates that NETWORK CARE targets highly motivated individuals
interested in alternative and complementary care, vitalistic, or holistic care.
- 95% of respondents reported their expectations had been met; and
- 99% wished to continue Network Care.
A longitudinal study has been completed to assess practitioners' findings and
patients' self reported health and wellness changes over time.
Other research is in progress to better understand the mechanisms underlying
the apparent effectiveness of this approach. Researchers in a variety of scientific
disciplines are currently involved in studying the benefits and mechanisms of
NSA.
It is hoped that the interdisciplinary relationships established between the
communities representing the chiropractic, medical, basic sciences, and social
sciences will assist the public in receiving and understanding the benefits
of NSA and other evidence based methods of health and wellness care.
References
1. Epstein, D. M., Theoretical Basis and Clinical Application of Network
Spinal Analysis (NSA), Longmont, Colorado, Innate Intelligence, Inc., November
1995.
2. Epstein, D. M., Network Spinal Analysis: A system of health care delivery
within the subluxation-based chiropractic model, Journal of Vertebral Subluxation
Research, August 1996, Vol. 1, No.1, p.51-59.
3. Blanks, RH., Schuster, T. L., Dobson, M. A., Retrospective Assessment
of Network Care Using a Survey of SelfRelated Health, Wellness and Quality of
Life, Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research, 1997, Vol. 1, No.4, p.15-31.
Several additional papers further evaluating the relationship of Network Care
to healthier choices, lifestyles, life enjoyment, and the apparent "stress
busting" effect have been submitted for publication in major journals.
A longitudinal evaluation (of patients in care over time) has been completed,
and articles have been submitted for publication.
Investigators:
Robert H. Blanks, Ph.D.
Tanya L. Schuster, Ph.D.
W. Ralph Boone, Ph.D., D.C.
Mamie Dobson
Literature produced by the: Association for Network Care, 444 North Main
Street, Longmont, Colorado 80501 Ph: (303) 678-8101 Fax: (303) 678-8089 www.associationfornetworkcare.com
(Rev. 12100)
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