Investigating the research capacity and productivity of Canadian sports chiropractors.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the research capacity and productivity of Canadian sports chiropractors.

METHODS: A cross-sectional survey (phase one) and scoping review (phase two) investigated the research capacity and productivity (from 2015-2020) of the Canadian sports chiropractic field.

RESULTS: Most respondents (72%) reported obtaining research training from fellowship and master's programs, with only 2 (1%) PhD qualifications identified. Approximately, 30% reported active involvement in research, with 28% being part-time clinician researchers. Access to human and technological research resources were limited. We identified 67 publications and 16 conference presentations within a five-year period, with clinical, population health, and basic science research as the areas most studied.

CONCLUSION: The research effort of Canadian sports chiropractors is primarily conducted by clinicians involved in research on a part-time basis. Its research outputs predominantly reflect the research requirements of the RCCSS(C) Sports Sciences Residency Program, highlighting its contribution in developing capacity and producing research for the Canadian sports chiropractic field.