Neurospinal Screening Evaluates Nerve Function
Health and Medicine

Originating Technology/NASA Contribution

When in the zero-gravity environment of space, an astronaut realizes quickly that most motions require significantly less effort, and the body adjusts itself to the new environment so that a simple act like putting in a contact lens does not result in a sharp poke in the eye or clapping of hands does not shatter fingers. This adaptability is useful and necessary while in orbit, and the body quickly becomes accustomed to the zero-gravity conditions of space flight, but without the everyday weight of gravity that we often take for granted providing resistance, muscle tissue tends to atrophy. In fact, a space traveler often experiences a feeling of heaviness, of an additional weight on the body, upon returning from space. The condition is similar to the degeneration of muscle seen in bedridden patients and the elderly.

Naturally, NASA is invested in researching this phenomenon and has undertaken many studies toward understanding this hazard and finding methods by which it can be combated. One of the tools employed by the Space Agency is surface electromyography (SEMG), a noninvasive method for analyzing and recording the conditions of muscles while at rest and in use. SEMG uses, as the name implies, surface electrodes to monitor and graph muscle activity.

Partnership

The Insight Subluxation Station allows chiropractors to create visual representations of abnormal nerve functions.

NASA funded a study in which researchers from Boston University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology used SEMG to measure the muscle activity of astronauts during strenuous activities directly before and after space shuttle missions. The research, done at the NeuroMuscular Research Center at Boston University under the direction of engineer Lee Brody, resulted in the design and implementation of two experimental protocols. To determine and map changes in muscles of shuttle astronauts, the team designed a protocol to measure signals from a leg muscle during a series of exercises.

For the other project, the team designed a measurement technique and accompanying software to test different designs for the gloves astronauts would wear during space walks. The gloves astronauts were using previously led to extreme hand and forearm fatigue while they conducted repairs and other tasks that required precision hand use. The newer gloves alleviate these conditions.

Since completing the NASA-funded research projects, Brody has found additional applications for the methods and techniques he learned during the experiments. He is now the chief engineer for the Chiropractic Leadership Alliance (CLA), of Mahwah, New Jersey, a professional organization serving the chiropractic community.

Product Outcome

The Insight Algometer is a hand-held device that accurately measures the sensitivity of paraspinal tissues. Tender areas discovered by palpation can be quantified, and progress can be graphically displayed throughout a course of care.

Founded by Drs. Patrick Gentempo and Christopher Kent, the CLA is dedicated to advancing the study and practice of chiropractic medicine. Its space experiment-based technology is called the Insight Subluxation Station and is a neurospinal screening and evaluation system based on the NASA research conducted by Brody and the SEMG methodology. While many chiropractic groups use SEMG, this is the only system employing the unique NASA technology. In fact, the CLA has even secured exclusive certification for the product with the Space Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes awareness and advancement of space-related research and exploration. Even more, the technology, available worldwide, is the only chiropractic device of its nature whose applications, protocols, indications, and normative data have all been published in peer-reviewed literature and are taught at certified chiropractic universities and colleges.

In the human body, the central nervous system is composed of three parts: the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves. Stress (whether physical, psychological, or physiological) in any of these areas can affect the others and throw the whole system off, often resulting in back pain. The role of the chiropractor is to repair disruptions to the spine and explain to patients the connections between the parts of nerves and back pain. Toward this end, chiropractors employ a wide variety of diagnostic tests and techniques to examine the spine and nervous system, but finding clear evidence of nerve disruption can, nonetheless, prove difficult.

The Insight Inclinometer performs a standard two-point range-of-motion (ROM) assessment. The inclinometry protocol evaluates end-point ROM as compared to normative data, which then provides the percentage of impairment.

Chiropractors use their hands, checking the muscles and spinal alignment, and they can take X-rays of vertebrae and analyze spinal degeneration, but it is still difficult to quantify the amount of nerve disruption. Just as important, it is also difficult for chiropractors to check the results of various types of treatment. The Insight Subluxation Station addresses that shortfall.

The Insight Subluxation Station employs a scanning device that measures differences in skin temperature and the sensitivity of paraspinal tissue and assesses range of motion, variations in heart rate, and the amount of tension of paraspinal muscle activity. It then, through unique software, creates visual representations of abnormal nerve functions.

These visual representations allow chiropractors, for the first time, to be able to actually see disruptions in nerve functioning. The color-coded graphs allow chiropractors to determine what methods of care will be best to pursue, and also allow caregivers to follow-up by assessing the effectiveness of the chosen treatment. Furthermore, the computer-generated charts show patients exactly where the nerve dysfunction exists, which helps the patient understand the reasoning behind different treatment methods.

A chart also helps with patient retention. Since the report usually validates the patient’s concerns, he or she is more likely to feel assured that the treatment is based on something other than manual poking and prodding, and upon return, knows that a visual report of progress will be received.

The Pulse Wave Profiler measures heart rate variability, the beat-to-beat variation in heart rate. This natural rise and fall of heart rate is caused by several physiologic phenomena, including breathing and autonomic nervous system activity. Chiropractors use this measurement to get a window into how the autonomic nervous system modulates heart rate in the baseline or resting state.

The system, which has settings that allow it to be used on infants, children, and adults, is readily compatible with most chiropractic offices and cleared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It uses a standard electrical power source and features USB communication technology to allow it to interface quickly and effectively with other devices. The software is compliant with Federal standards set by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), an initiative to regulate and standardize electronic health care information exchange.

The CLA has created a 4-day training program for chiropractors who purchase the Insight scanning device. What Gentempo refers to as a sort of “boot camp” for chiropractors, the training session, called the Total Solutions package, teaches chiropractors not only how to use the device, but how to get the most out of their chiropractic practices.

Insight Subluxation Station™ and Total Solution™ are trademarks of the Chiropractic Leadership Alliance.