National University student Matt Budavich from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, was selected to present a research poster at the American Association of Anatomists 2015 Regional Meeting held at the Medical College of Wisconsin on October 3, 2015.

Matt’s research sought to verify the reliability and accuracy of methods used in previous National University research that had assessed the gapping of zygapophyseal joints (Z-joints) in the spine.

“Investigators at National University had done previous research using an MRI technique and accelerometers to measure the gapping and cavitation sounds that occur in Z-joints during a chiropractic adjustment. This previous research showed that there was indeed therapeutic gapping of Z-joints during an adjustment and that the cavitation sound was related to the gapping,” explains Matt. “Our more recent research sought to further determine the reliability of the methods by testing them through other means.”

The NUHS research group collaborated with a doctor from New York Chiropractic College who embedded a spine in silicone gel. Matt then used an adapted device from Activator Methods to strike the joint, measuring the resulting vibrations with the accelerometer. The group was able to determine that the method used in previous research was perfectly reliable and valid.

Matt Budavich is currently in his 8^th trimester of the doctor of chiropractic program, as well as a research fellow at National University.  Dr. Gregory Cramer, dean of research at NUHS, who was also his advisor for the project, accompanied him at the presentation.

“This is important research for our university’s ongoing investigation into the effect of spinal manipulation on Z-joints,” says Dr. Cramer. “We’re proud that Matt’s poster was selected for presentation to this particular association, thereby bringing increased awareness of the depth of chiropractic research to those in other medical and scientific fields.”

Fellowships in research are just one of the many ways that students can get involved in research projects at National University, where evidence-based practice is a hallmark of the institution’s history and philosophy.