1 November 2022

Research Symposium Recap

Saturday 22 October 2022, saw the ACA host the annual Research Symposium at the Hilton Hotel Sydney. The symposium once again allows researchers to share their findings across a wide range of chiropractic-related topics. After a two-year hiatus, it was wonderful to be face-to-face again with presentations from the six podium finalists.

The session of presentations covered a range of topics, including: the global burden of neck pain in Australia (Katie de Luca – presented by Matt Fernandez), a protocol for future qualitative work from the BAck Complaints in the Elderly: Chiropractic – an Australian study (Katie Moss) and a cross-sectional study of Australian Chiropractors’ and students’ readiness to identify and support patients experiencing intimate partner violence (Navine Haworth).

The winning presentation was a dead heat, with joint winners Matt Fernandez (a systematic review on physical activity promotion in chiropractic) and Mel Wassell (a protocol on electronic health records role in documenting and predicting work-related musculoskeletal disorders). David McNaughton took out 3rd prize for his research on the association between stressful life events and low back pain in older men.

The poster session took on a new electronic format, replacing the traditional A0 posters. Conference delegates had the opportunity to discuss their research in a friendly atmosphere, in addition to networking and establishing new contacts. Conference attendees were treated to award winning projects from Dawn Dane who received first prize for her study titled: student experiences with using a provided time budget for study time management research projects. Second place went to Andy Dane for his study on student perceptions of regional clinical placements and impacts on career decisions. Third place went to Jeffrey Hannah for his pilot study findings related to the prevalence of leg length inequality.

It was a wonder afternoon for all things research, not only highlighted by great presentations, but excellent engagement and thought-provoking questions from the audience. Special mention must go to our international reviewers who appraised submitted abstracts. The blinded review process ensured impartiality for the selection of podium and poster presentations. We also acknowledge our three judges on the day who generously gave up their time to score the podium and poster presentations.

ACA congratulates all the presenters at this years Research Symposium and thank Guild Insurance for their continued generous support of the research awards.