Characterization of side effects sustained by chiropractic students during their undergraduate training in technique...

The purpose of this study was to characterize the type, nature and frequency of injuries sustained by chiropractic students during their undergraduate training.

Chiropractic students in their second, third and fourth year of study at a chiropractic college were asked to complete a questionnaire that chronicled and described the occurrence of any side effects they may have sustained at the hands of their peers during technique class. Students were also asked to record their anthropomorphic characteristic.

Of 450 questionnaires distributed, 292 were completed and returned to the authors. Of the 292 respondents, 127 reported to have experienced an injury, although the total number of injuries was 161. The most common site of injury was the lumbopelvic region. Students reported that it was during their second year of study that they experienced the highest number of injuries. Symptoms occurred the same day as the event in 85% of cases. The most common characteristic of symptoms reported was pain, followed by local stiffness, headache, dizziness, fatigue, diffuse stiffness and cramps. Two thirds of students described the extent of their injuries from 'light' to 'a fair bit'. Three quarters of injuries resolved within the first 72 hours of the event. No treatment was sought by 89 (55%) of the respondents. More than half of students reported that their activities of daily living were either 'not' or 'somewhat' affected. There were three reports of long-term complaints. No statistically significant differences were found between the group of students reporting to be injured compared to those students not injured with respect to their age, gender, weight or height.

Chiropractic students experience side effects during their undergraduate training that are very similar to those experienced by patients under clinical care.