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Research at Parker
Discover how Parker University advances health, performance, and chiropractic care through research.
Research at Parker
Discover how Parker University advances health, performance, and chiropractic care through research.
About
A Hub for Evidence, Innovation, and Impact
Looking to add even more to your education? As early as your sixth trimester, you can apply to one of Parker’s online master’s programs to take alongside your DC coursework with a 100% tuition scholarship for your master’s degree.*
Active projects in chiropractic science, human performance, neuroscience, and integrative health
Collaboration across clinics, labs, classrooms, and external partners
Peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and community-focused projects
Meaningful roles for students in study design, data collection, and dissemination
Core focus areas
What We’re Curious About
Our work is grounded in real-world questions. How do we relieve pain more effectively? Help athletes perform better? Design learning and health systems that truly work? We organize our research around several core focus areas:
Chiropractic Science &
Musculoskeletal Health
Human Performance &
Sport Science
Neuroscience &
Neurorehabilitation
Nutrition &
Metabolic Health
Integrative Health & Preventative Health
Education &
Health Systems
Coming Soon
Human Performance Center
Parker University’s Human Performance Center will be a state-of-the-art home for strength, conditioning, and performance research. Under the guidance of leading experts, the Center will blend advanced testing, data analytics, and real-world training to help athletes and active individuals perform at their best—while generating new evidence for coaches and clinicians.
Learn About the HPC
Parker research
Sharing our Discoveries
Parker University researchers regularly publish their work in the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic and other peer-reviewed outlets. The journal is fully open access, making evidence-based insights available to clinicians, students, and researchers around the world.
Go To Journal
Publications
Latest From the JCC
PRIMARY SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOTHORAX FOLLOWING THORACIC SPINE MANIPULATION: A CASE REPORT
Jacob Harden, D.C.
April 2026
This paper describes the presentation and management of a patient with primary spontaneous pneumothorax after thoracic spinal manipulation.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY ON THE MEANING AND VALUE OF VITALISM IN CHIROPRACTIC
Dennis Richards, B.S., D.C., Ph.D., Grad. Cert. Phil. Studies., Sandra Grace, D.C., D.O., Dip. Ed., Ms.C., Ph.D., Grad. Cert. Sports Chiro.
March 2026
This paper investigates whether the findings of initial research on the meaning and value of vitalism might be generalized to a broader sample of
THE TREATMENT AND PREVENTION OF TURF TOE: A NARRATIVE REVIEW OF CONSERVATIVE INTERVENTIONS
Tom Michaud, D.C., Andrew Hauser, M.S., A.T.C., R.S.C.C.
March 2026
This article provides an overview of the conservative management of turf toe.
QUALITY OF LIFE IN CHIROPRACTIC PATIENTS WITH LOW BACK AND NECK PAIN: A 3‑MONTH LONGITUDINAL OBSERVATIONAL STUDY
Joseph Canillo, Ph.D., D.C., John Williams, D.C., Luisanna Cuiti, D.C.
March 2026
This paper evaluates changes over 3 months in health‑related quality of life (HRQoL) in Italian adults with non‑specific low back pain (LBP) and/or neck
EXCEL RANDOMIZED, GENERATED OSCES (ERGOS) FOR ASSISTED ADJUSTING COURSE IN CHIROPRACTIC CURRICULUM: CASE STUDY WITH SURVEY OF PROFESSOR AND CREATOR
Paula Lakeman, D.C., Mark Murdock, R.N., D.C., Sean Norkus, M.S., D.C., D.I.C.B.N., F.I.A.C.N., D.I.B.E.
March 2026
ERGOs helped decrease instructor time preparing technique OSCEs initially and subsequent iterations.
INNATE INTELLIGENCE IN THE PHILOSOPHY OF CHIROPRACTIC: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Adrian B. Wenban, B.Sc. (Anat)., B.App.Sci. (Chiro)., M.Med.Sc. (Clin Epi)., P.Gr. Dip. (med.Ed.)., Francien L. Denis, D.C.
March 2026
This paper examines how 9 influential chiropractic authors have conceptualized Innate Intelligence.
Events
Upcoming Research Events
The Parker Research Center hosts and supports events that bring evidence to life. Join us for seminars, workshops, and special sessions that connect research with clinical practice, performance, and education.
TODO research events category. Specify out of these events which ones to show here.
Stay in the Loop
Our research newsletter delivers highlights from recent studies, upcoming events, funding and collaboration opportunities, and stories from the Parker research community—right to your inbox.
Join the Research Newsletter
Earn Your Master’s in Clinical Research—Online
Turn curiosity into a career
Parker’s online MS in Clinical Research equips you with the knowledge and tools to design, manage, and interpret clinical studies in today’s evidence-driven health-care environment.
As a student, you’ll learn from faculty involved in ongoing studies at the Parker Research Center and gain insight into how evidence shapes real-world practice.
Program at a Glance
100% online format designed for working professionals
Coursework in research design, biostatistics, ethics, and regulatory frameworks
Preparation for roles such as clinical research coordinator, investigator, and site manager
Opportunities to connect with research activity at the Parker Research Center
Explore MS in Clinical Research
Meet the research team
The People behind the research
Research at Parker is a team effort. Our faculty, staff, and adjunct researchers bring diverse expertise in clinical practice, basic science, performance, education, and data analysis—working together to generate evidence that serves patients, students, and the health professions.
Andy Galpin
Director, Parker Research Center
Dr. Andy Galpin is a leading human performance researcher and serves as a collaborator with Parker University, contributing his expertise in muscle physiology and applied performance science to advance research, education, and innovation in human health and performance.
Read Bio
Christopher A. Malaya, DC, PhD
Associate Professor
Christopher A. Malaya, DC, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Parker University. He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Parker University in 2018 and was the first student to graduate with research honors. He completed his PhD in Motor Control at the University of Houston in 2022.
Read Bio
Dr. Katherine Pohlman, PHD, DC
Director, Parker Research Center
Dr. Pohlman leads research strategy and supports projects focused on clinical outcomes, education, and human performance across Parker University.
Read Bio
Andy Galpin
Director, Parker Research Center
Dr. Andy Galpin is a leading human performance researcher and serves as a collaborator with Parker University, contributing his expertise in muscle physiology and applied performance science to advance research, education, and innovation in human health and performance.
Read Bio
See All Research Staff
Ethical Research, Every Step of the Way
All human-subject research at Parker University is reviewed by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB safeguards the rights, safety, and welfare of participants and ensures that every study complies with applicable federal, state, and institutional requirements. These are some of its responsibilities:
Reviews research protocols before studies begin
Monitors approved projects for ongoing compliance
Provides guidance to investigators on ethical and regulatory questions
IRB Policy
Parker University Research Center has a policy for the protection of human subjects from research risk as
set forth in Title 45, Part 46, of the Code of Federal Regulations (45 CFR 46). The detailed and complete
Standard Operating Procedural Manual is on file in the office of the Human Protections Administrator. It
is the policy of Parker University that, except for those categories specifically exempted by 45 CFR 46,
all research covered by this policy will be reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB)
established under the policy regardless of the source of funding of the research. IRB approval must be
obtained before initiation of a study. The Human Protections Administrator assesses applications to
determine if they involve human subject research; if so, the HPA will determine if the research meets
criteria for Exemption under 45 CFR 46. All research that is not exempt is sent to the IRB for its
consideration; research may be expedited if criteria is met, or reviewed by the full board. The IRB
functions as an institutional resource to safeguard the welfare of human subjects of research, to meet the
requirement of funding agencies, and to protect investigators and the University from legal action. The
IRB membership consists of 9 individuals including the Chair. The membership includes faculty or
professional personnel, and at least one member who is not otherwise affiliated with the University and
who is not part of the immediate family of a person affiliated with the University. IRB approval must be
obtained before initiation of a study. The Human Protections Administrator assesses applications to
determine if they involve human subject research; if so, the HPA will determine if the research meets
criteria for Exemption under 45 CFR 46. Al research that is not exempt is sent to the IRB for its
consideration; research may be expedited if criteria is met, or reviewed by the full board. The IRB
functions as an institutional resource to safeguard the welfare of human subjects of research, to meet the
requirement of funding agencies, and to protect investigators and the University from legal action. The
IRB membership consists of 9 individuals including the Chair. The membership includes faculty or
professional personnel, and at least one member who is not otherwise affiliated with the University and
who is not part of the immediate family of a person affiliated with the University.
Current IRB Members
Rick Robinette: Chair
Vanessa Morales: Vice - Chair
Dana Hollands worth
Darren Howland
Michael Gottlieb: Public Member
Katie Hartlieb
Drew Riffe
Michael Moore
Arlette Peterson: Public Member
Dr. Dana Lawrence (exofficio): Human Protections Administrator
Zak Monier: Data Protection Officer (DPO)
Contact the Parker Research Center
Have questions about a study, collaboration, or student opportunities? We’re here to help.
Address
2540 Walnut Hill Ln
Dallas, TX 75229
Phone
1 (800) 637-8337
1 (214) 902-2429
Contact
askadmissions@parker.edu
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