News from the Research Director

I am pleased to have been appointed Research Director for the Association for Network Care Research (ANCR), effective June 2002. As some of you may know, I have been working with Dr. Epstein since 1993 after personally discovering the benefits of Network Care. That discovery led me to take an active role in supporting Dr. Epstein's vision of a sophisticated research program to study the wellness paradigm and phenomena associated with Network care. 

Dr. Epstein recognized in the early 90's that starting a research program where none previously existed would be a formidable task. Time and patience would be the rule of the day. Each study would require extensive planning, data collection, analysis and eventually publication. Attracting qualified researchers and funding to support the research would, from the inception of the program and into the future, be tantamount to its success. To date, the Research Program has directly resulted in or contributed to the following: 

  • Development of an evidenced based document describing the theoretical basis and clinical application of Network Spinal Analysis™ (NSA).

  • A published descriptive paper of NSA by Dr. Epstein.

  • A published retrospective study of over 2800 recipients of Network Chiropractic. 

  • Development of a health, wellness, and quality of life survey that can be used in any discipline. 

  • Based on research findings, the Introduction by Dr. Epstein of the Levels of Care. 

  • A completed longitudinal study of recipients of NSA receiving levels of care (currently undergoing data analysis). 

  • A manuscript dealing with a theoretical framework linking wellness, health lifestyles, and complementary and alternative medicine (accepted for publication in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine [JACA] pending editorial changes). 

  • A manuscript describing an empirical application of a theoretical framework linking use of NSA, the practice of healthy lifestyles, and self-reported health and wellness based on the retrospective study data (under review by JACA). 

  • A published paper describing the statistical non-linear mathematics utilized in developing a dynamical model of the somatopsychic wave™. 

  • A continuing research effort to elucidate the dependence of changes in the somatopsychic wave™ relative to Levels of Care. 

  • Presentation of the mathematics of non-linear modeling of the somatopsychic wave™ in a course titled ”Chaotic Systems" taught on the Campus of the University of Southern California. As well, a paper on dynamic modeling, using the surface electromyography wave analysis data (SEMG), was presented at a conference on the USC campus titled "dynamical systems." The conference was funded by grants from the National Science Foundation and the University of Southern California. 

  • The first international NSA scientific conference in Italy. 

  • Development of an evolving model and detailed description of NSA based strictly on research findings.

How ANC members/practice members can assist the Research Program

These outcomes certainly justify the formal research program and the impetus to continue scholarly investigation of NSA. This includes its impact within individuals, different cultures, and society as a whole. To support this effort, more than ever, it will be necessary to endow the program with appropriate funding. A significant amount will be required to entice qualified researchers to oversee and conduct studies within the expanding realm of a wide range of disciplines that recognize the significance of NSA. 

Personally, the Epstein's efforts and actions in support of worthy endeavors, including NSA research, have inspired me. As well, the many generous NSA practitioners that have rallied with financial support when required have been equally inspirational. In spite of these efforts, however, I have also watched the limitations imposed on my colleagues conducting NSA research due to limited funds. As Research Director I am impelled to promote the acquisition of funding necessary to gain a more complete understanding of NSA and the many benefits it has to offer. 

While there are many paths to acquiring funding, two plausible approaches are presented here. 

1. This is a call for immediate support. 

I request that each NSA practitioner and as many of their practice members as possible make a commitment to pledging a regular donation to the ANC for the specific purpose of supporting current NSA research. I announce my pledge at this point and request others to join me. I also extend my appreciation and thanks to those that already contribute on a regular basis. The following demonstrates the impact of a small contribution on a regular basis:

With an office visit fee of $35/month, this would amount to a tax-deductible donation of $420 year. If your office fee is higher, the additional donation will bring in even more funds for research.

If the entire population of NSA practitioners listed on the website make this contribution, more than $170,000 will accrue over a twelve month period. 

I urge each person reading this call to make a sincere effort to support the ANC research program. If you wish to participate in this manner, please contact the ANC office by phone or by email. I will report periodically regarding the success of this call and the funds and number of individuals that have responded. You can have the amount charged each month, semi- annually, or annually on your credit card. Or you can send us a check for the donation.

I am hopeful that larger donations of $500, $750, $1000, $1,500, $2,000, and more will be made to ensure the further understanding, description of, advancement of NSA, Wellness Education and the Wellness Model under which we practice.

A donation made before December 31 allows you a tax deduction for this year.

2. Long Term Endowment

I suspect that among the several hundred NSA practitioners and/or their respective practice members there may be an individual(s) who would provide a minimum of $200,000 in matching funds to establish a Trust in perpetuity bearing their (respective) name(s). The Trust would be a non-profit entity governed by a board of directors. Its primary function would be to raise funds to support research that would directly or indirectly expand knowledge of NSA. As only interest earned on the funds would be accessible for research, the impetus would be to promote the Trust with expediency. Fine details would be completed among the ANC Board, the Research Director, the individual providing the seed funding, legal representatives, and other appropriate advisors nominated by this group. One approach would be to work for the establishment of a Trust with seed funding of two hundred thousand dollars by December 31st, 2003, reaching five hundred thousand by December 31st, 2004, and one million by December 31st, 2005. The attainment of a larger endowment would then become a matter of the energy and enthusiasm promoting the Trust. At this level of endowment it is often wise to invite professional fund-raising agencies to become involved. 

I invite readers with ideas in support of this concept or alternative methods to contact me with their thoughts or willingness to be involved.

Responsibilities and Criteria for NSA practitioners participating in research or programs involving NSA

I am aware of others who may be employing NSA care as a part of ongoing programs of wide variety of description. In order for the ANC to endorse these efforts, it will be required for practitioners to adhere to the following "must do" criteria:

  • When NSA care is part of a study, the practitioner must hold certification in the level of care being administered in the study. This could be Level 1, 2 or 3 of care. When this is not possible, the practitioner must work under the supervision of a NSA practitioner holding the appropriate certification. 

  • The practitioner must be duly licensed in the jurisdiction in which NSA care is being provided, at the time the care is being administered to the subject(s). If the practitioner is practicing NSA under a chiropractic license or as a wellness coach, said individual(s) must be formally certified by Donald Epstein, or his approved assignees at the time NSA care is being administered. 

  • When humans are involved as subjects (case report or otherwise), a full explanation of the nature of the study must be disclosed, including possible negative outcomes. As well, a human consent form must be signed and witnessed by the subject or guardian if the subject is under age. The ANC Research Director can provide these forms. 

  • If the NSA practitioner is part of a larger study being conducted within an institution or private clinic, the study must be approved by an appropriate review panel to insure that the patient's rights and safety have been considered and protected. 

  • In addition to NSA care, if a subject(s) is receiving counseling or any other concurrent form of care, the providers must be legally credentialed to provide such care. 

  • If the NSA practitioner and other principals involved in the study wish to have the endorsement of the ANC, the Research Director must be contacted prior to commencing the study to review the design and to ensure that all of the above requirements are in effect. As well, those providing NSA care can in no way ascribe "powers" associated with NSA or the practitioner that are distinct from the description and definitions of NSA as provided through the Evidenced Based Document and the seminars taught and conducted by Dr. Epstein. 

  • Ultimately, if NSA is involved in any study, the principal(s) administering care will be responsible for the proper administration of care, following all State and Federal guidelines, and accurate interpretation and reporting of results.

I trust that those involved in research, or aspiring to such, will appreciate that the above criteria are standard. As NSA practitioners become increasingly involved in the research arena, it is imperative that the data derived from these studies cannot be brought into question and are collected in such a manner as to be compared from study to study. It is exciting to watch the growth and acceptance of NSA care in so many diverse areas. Consequently, adhering to proper protocols in the research environment will only serve to enhance the credibility of research findings.

In addition to these criteria, the ANC must also approve the research design if the individual(s) seeks endorsement. Otherwise, the ANC will not be able to offer its endorsement. A formal proposal must be sent to the ANC Research Director who will establish a panel of researchers to review the proposal. The investigator(s) will be notified as to acceptance, denial, or recommendations to gain approval.

I applaud those individuals that have exerted tremendous effort to include NSA as part of ongoing research and programs. Attention to appropriate protocols for its inclusion will benefit both NSA and the practitioners involved.

Ralph Boone, Ph.D., D.C.
Research Director, Association for Network Care
99 Castor Bay Road
Auckland 1309, New Zealand
Phone: 64-9-410-1417
Fax: 64-9-410-1415
Email: rboone@clear.net.nz

Research Update

Website by: All City Solutions