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Clinical Research

 

Human Sports Performance Improvement using Integrative Medicine

 
A Clinical Trial Conducted by Doctor Bench
 
 

The Research Team:

Lead Investigator: Edward G. Dudley-Robey, M.D.(MA), I.M.D., FAAIM - Integrative Medicine

Osteopathic Medicine - Lawrence S. Glass, D.O., FACOFP

Oriental Medicine - Sunny S. Kim, Ph.D.,OMD, LAc

Chiropractic Medicine - Thomas Iwashita, D.C., Dave Halverson D.C.

Naturopathic Medicine - Hon. Benjamin Zvenia, DrPH, NMD, JD

 
 
 

Background

To run the first, true Integrative Medicine clinical trial in human performance & sports medicine. This trial used physicians from 5 different areas of medicine. They consisted of Integrative Medicine, Oriental Medicine, Chiropractic Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine and Naturopathic Medicine. With the current state of sports (congressional hearings on steroids etc..) it was the hope of the research team is to prove a non-pharmacological way for athletes to gain the performance improvements they desire while using safe, proven modalities. All of the research team volunteered their time and work to this endeavor, in order to avoid any possible conflicts of interest. Also, Dongguk Royal University of Los Angeles, California donated the facility and supplies for the trial. The trial was held on April 25th, 2004. 

Hypothesis

That the use of Acupuncture and Chiropractic modalities can improve sports performance in athletes.

Trial Method

Upon entering the trial, participants were given a physical exam to ensure pre-study health status by Lawrence S. Glass, D.O., FACOFP . Athletes then had baseline measurements taken for ROM, grip strength and vertical leap by Hon. Benjamin Zvenia, DrPH, NMD, JD. Upon completion of the first two areas participants were split into 3 different groups: Acupuncture treatment only by Sunny S. Kim, Ph.D.,OMD, LAc , Chiropractic treatment only by Thomas Iwashita, D.C., Dave Halverson D.C.  or both Acupuncture and Chiropractic modalities. All Acupuncture and Chiropractic modalities were standard reproducible techniques. No experimental or nonstandard modalities were used. Upon completion of the treatment(s), the athlete again had measurements taken for ROM, grip strength and vertical leap. Overall supervision for the trial was by Edward G. Dudley-Robey

Evaluation Method

The pre and post-treatment measurements for ROM, grip strength and vertical leap were used to evaluate the results. Also a written subjective questionnaire was given to study participants by Edward G. Dudley-Robey, M.D.(MA), I.M.D., FAAIM. . The results of this clinical trial have been certified by the Hon. Benjamin Zvenia, DrPH, NMD, JD.

Conclusions

The trial, despite its small sampling, was able to produce dramatic results in human performance improvement. All of the test subjects showed performance improvement. A larger study with more modalities should be conducted. However this gives healthcare practitioners an answer to the ever present question of "what can be done to improve performance without drugs".

 
 
The study was published by JAAIM-Online (the online Journal for the American Association of Integrative Medicine). Click here to see the full article and detailed results.
 
 

Doctor Bench received an award from the Mayor of Los Angeles for his role in this Clinical Trial!

 
 
Click here to see JAAIM-Online's coverage of the award