Translational Research
Basic Research 
Clinical Application
The presence of the CCDA has facilitated translational research from basic science mechanisms towards clinical application both within PCOM and outside its walls. For example:
- Numerous peer-reviewed publications and review articles on Chlamydia pneumoniae involvement in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) have been authored by PCOM investigators Brian Balin and Denah Appelt in conjunction with their collaborators at Wayne State University School of Medicine lead by Dr. Alan Hudson. This research may result in therapeutic approaches using combinations of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs in preventing and combating AD.
- Examination of the inter-reliability of palpatory tests coupled with use of innovative methods for measuring the actual hand pressure used to palpate [or deliver Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)] and correlation with the amount of hysteresis present in the tissues being examined before and after care has the potential to dramatically improve the evidence base underlying osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM). This research will improve reporting of findings and teaching of procedures in osteopathic schools and permit better titration of clinical application of OMT.
Clinical Research Clinical Care
CCDA translational clinical research activity was instituted in conjunction with members of the Department of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine and its Human Performance & Biomechanics Laboratory. Subjects who have participated in previous research projects and who have experienced benefits from their protocol might have the opportunity to continue in a translational clinical research setting. For example:
- Multiple sclerosis patients having access to ongoing care with IsoPUMP® Maximal Effort Exercise equipment. In several studies using this protocol, individuals with MS have gained strength lasting for months after discontinuing their exercise protocol. There were also improvements in memory, gait, and other measures.
- Parkinson's disease patients having continued access to osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and/or with periodic acceleration therapy (PAT). Preliminary data is showing an improvement in gait for either modality and other osteopathic institutions have shown improvement with OMT.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) patients having access to osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) and/or certain energy-emitting devices such as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or therapeutic magnetic resonance (TMR). Studies have shown benefits when OMT is added to other conservative care and numerous positive comments have been seen in reducing pain and improving function with the energy-emitting devices alone or in concert with OMT.
- Low back pain patients with lumbar spondylolisthesis (forward slippage of the spine) having access to use of the Levitor® pelvic orthotic device and OMT. Numerous studies have demonstrated improvement in posture and/or back pain for patients with this spinal disorder and treatment with this combined protocol.