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Activator Methods International Ltd.
2950 N. Seventh Street, Suite 200
Phoenix, AZ 85014
ofc 602-224-0220
fax 602-224-0230
toll free 1-800-598-0224
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Title: Status of Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique, Theory and Practice
Reference: Arlan W. Fuhr, DC, and J. Michael Menke, DC
ABSTRACT
Objective: To provide an historical overview, description, synthesis, and critique of the Activator Adjusting Instrument
(AAI) and Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique of clinical assessment.
Methods: Online resources were searched including Index to Chiropractic Literature, EBSCO Online, MANTIS,
CHIROLARS, CINAHL, eJournals, Ovid, MDConsult, Lane Catalog, SU Catalog, and Pubmed. Relevant peer-reviewed
studies, commentaries, and reviews were selected. Studies fell into 2 major content areas: instrument adjusting and the
analysis system for therapy application. Studies were categorized by research content type: biomechanical,
neurophysiological, and clinical. Each study was reviewed in terms of contribution to knowledge and critiqued with
regard to quality.
Discussion: More than 100 studies related to the AAI and the technique were found, including studies on the
instrument’s mechanical effects, and a few studies on clinical efficacy. With regard to the analysis, there is evidence for
good reliability on prone leg–length assessment, but to date, there is only 1 study evaluating the Activator Methods
Chiropractic Technique analysis.
Conclusions: A body of basic science and clinical research has been generated on the AAI since its first peer-reviewed
publication in 1986. The Activator analysis may be a clinically useful tool, but its ultimate scientific validation requires
testing using sophisticated research models in the areas of neurophysiology, biomechanics, and statistical analysis.
(J Manipulative Physiol Ther 2005;28:135.e1-135.e20)
Key Indexing Terms: Chiropractic; Research; Education
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