Activator Methods Research

The only instrument adjusting technique backed by 26 clinical trials

The Activator Method is one of the most widely researched chiropractic techniques and the only instrument adjusting technique with 26 clinical trials to support its efficacy. Activator Methods has published hundreds of clinical and scientific peer-reviewed papers, worked with major academic research institutions, and received grants from recognized entities like the National Institutes of Health.

Activator Methods is proud of our significant academic presence, with our technique taught in most U.S. chiropractic colleges and several more around the world. We provide substantial resources and assistance to students through college club support, guest speakers, and promotional opportunities.


Search Instructions

This research page is a free resource that provides access to a searchable database of Activator Methods citations and abstracts. In general, there are three search options: Research Categories, Research Tags, and Search.  If the full text of an article is available it is noted at the bottom of the page below the abstract after the author information. 


Latest Research Papers

2020

Beneficial Effects of Manually Assisted Chiropractic Adjusting Instrument in a Rabbit Model of Osteoarthritis

2018

Determining spinal level using the inferior angle of the scapula as a reference landmark: a retrospective analysis of 50 radiographs

Improvement in Physical Functioning, Overall Quality of Life & Drug Reduction in a 75-Year-Old Female with Neuropathy, Insomnia & Vertebral Subluxations: A Case Report

Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Assessing the Effects of Applying a Force to C5 by a Mechanically Assisted Instrument on Referred Pain to the Shoulder.

2017

A Prospective, Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo Controlled Clinical Trial Assessing the Effects of Applying a Force to C5 by a Mechanically Assisted Instrument (MAI) on Referred Pain to the Shoulder

Resolution of Lower Limb Sensory Polyneuropathy In A 63-Year-Old Male Receiving Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique For The Correction Of Vertebral Subluxation

Impact of Chiropractic Manipulation on Bone and Skeletal Muscle of Ovariectomized Rats

Characteristics of Paraspinal Muscle Spindle Response to Mechanically Assisted Spinal Manipulation: A Preliminary Report

Spinal Tissue Loading Created by Different Methods of Spinal Manipulative Therapy Application

Patient Perceived Effectiveness of a Course of Chiropractic Care in a Teaching Clinic Following Initial Exposure to Chiropractic Through a Public Spinal  Screening

Improved Ambulation, Quality of Life and Decreased Pain in a 64-Year-Old Female with Polymyalgia Rheumatica & Multiple Neuromusculoskeletal Symptoms Undergoing Chiropractic Care

Glucose Metabolic Changes in the Brain and Muscles of Patients with Nonspecific Neck Pain Treated by Spinal Manipulation Therapy: A [18F]FDG PET Study

2016

Improved Spinal Range of Motion, Quality of Life, Dysponesis & Dysautonomia in a 75-year-old male Following Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique for the Correction of Vertebral Subluxation: A Case Report

Improvement in Chronic Musculoskeletal Arm Pain and Headaches in an 89- Year-Old Male Receiving Chiropractic Care Involving Torque Release Technique and Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique: A Case Report

Changes in Quality of Life in 7 Older Adult Patients Receiving Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique

Attenuation Effect of Spinal Manipulation on Neuropathic and Postoperative Pain Through Activating Endogenous Anti-Inflammatory Cytokine Interleukin 10 in Rat Spinal Cord.

Comparing Outcome Measures in Lumbar Spine Manipulations: Dynamic X-Rays and Oswestry Index

Resolution of Morton’s Neuroma in an Elderly Patient Receiving Activator Methods Chiropractic Technique to Correct Subluxation: A Case Study

Key Research Papers

In Vitro Biomechanical Evaluation of Single Impulse and Repetitive Mechanical Shockwave Devices Utilized for Spinal Manipulative Therapy

Clinical effectiveness of the activator adjusting instrument in the management of musculo-skeletal disorders: a systematic review of the literature

Effects of a Manually Assisted Mechanical Force on Cutaneous Temperature

Spinal Manipulation Reduces Pain and Hyperalgesia after Lumbar Intervertebral Foramen Inflammation in the Rat

Neurophysiological Response to Intraoperative Lumbosacral Spinal Manipulation

Clinical Trials

CLICK HERE for a complete list of clinical trials utilizing the Activator Adjustment Instrument.


Activator Adjustment Instrument FDA Information:

FDA K973506
Trade/Device Name: Activator II

FDA K003185
Trade/Device Name: Activator IV

FDA K112606
Trade/Device Name: Activator V Spinal Adjusting Instrument