Our mission
The Research Centre at the New Zealand College of Chiropractic is a world-class research hub dedicated to exploring the science behind chiropractic care and its impact on human health and performance.
Our mission is simple yet profound: to advance the chiropractic profession through rigorous, innovative research that strengthens understanding and transforms lives.
What we do
We investigate how chiropractic care influences the expression of health and human potential. Our research spans key areas such as:
Neurophysiological Function
Understanding how chiropractic adjustments affect the brain and nervous system.
Paediatrics
Exploring the benefits of chiropractic care for children.
Human Performance
Measuring improvements in strength, reaction time, and overall function.
Quality of Life
Demonstrating how chiropractic care enhances wellbeing.
Our studies demonstrate how chiropractic care improves central nervous system function. It also shows that adjusting vertebral subluxations improves muscle strength, joint position sense and reaction times, reduces muscle fatigue and improves quality of life.
Harnessing technology to unlock human potential
Chiropractic care isn’t just about the spine – it’s about unlocking the full potential of human health and performance. At the Research Centre, we leverage cutting-edge technologies like EEG hyper-scanning, advanced AI analytics, and neuroimaging tools to explore the intricate connection between the brain and body. These innovations allow us to measure, analyse, and understand how chiropractic adjustments influence brain function, neural connectivity, and overall wellbeing in ways that were once unimaginable.
By combining clinical expertise with state-of-the-art technology, we’re not only validating chiropractic care through rigorous scientific methods – we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in health research.
Latest publications
Unique RNA Gene Expression Profile Is Seen in Chronic Non-Specific Low Back Painn
Stress Biomarker Trajectories Linked to Pain Vulnerability in Randomised Chiropractic Trials
The Effects of 12 Weeks of Chiropractic Spinal Adjustments on Physiological Biomarkers in Adults: A Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial
Global impact
Our research doesn’t just make waves – it sets new standards. Internationally recognised and award-winning, we’re driven by an unrelenting curiosity and a commitment to innovation. For us, discovery isn’t the finish line – it’s the starting point. Every answer sparks a new question: what’s next?
From foundational science to real-world functional outcomes, our work is shaping the future of chiropractic care on a global scale. By bridging cutting-edge technology with clinical insight, we’re influencing health practices worldwide and redefining what’s possible for human performance and wellbeing.
Turning chiropractic research into real-world solutions
Vitality Innovations is the New Zealand College of Chiropractic’s technology transfer office, established in 2024 to close the gap between research and practice – turning our researchers’ discoveries into tools that clinicians and patients can put to use. It works both ways: a pathway for our own researchers to carry their work into the real world, and a channel for practitioners to bring their clinical problems and ideas back to the College.
Built on an empowerment-first approach to IP, where inventors direct their own work, it has already grown a pipeline of six projects – from wearable health technology to AI-driven clinical tools – backed by partners including KiwiNet and recognised alongside institutions many times NZCC’s size.
Global collaborations
Innovation thrives on collaboration – and ours spans the globe. We proudly partner with world-leading institutions, including the University of Auckland, King’s College London, Life University (USA), and major research centres in Denmark. These alliances bring together diverse expertise, advanced technologies, and a shared commitment to scientific excellence.
Through these partnerships, we exchange knowledge, co-author groundbreaking studies, and leverage international resources to accelerate discovery. Together, we’re shaping the future of chiropractic care and its role in optimising human health worldwide.
Our team
Our research team brings together leading minds in neuroscience, biomedical engineering, data science, and artificial intelligence, alongside experienced chiropractic professionals. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that every study is grounded in rigorous scientific methodology, free from bias, and focused on uncovering objective truths about human health and performance.
By integrating expertise from multiple fields, we challenge assumptions, validate findings through advanced analytics, and uphold the highest standards of evidence-based research.
Support our research
There is so much more research to do. Together with your help, future research will continue to grow a comprehensive evidence base – increasing the profile of chiropractic for the profession, the public and the wider health community.