Brian Nook

About Brian

Brian graduated from Northwestern College of Chiropractic in Minnesota, USA, in 1983. His career has spanned more than four decades across clinical practice, chiropractic and sports education, academic leadership, research and international sports chiropractic. He has held senior academic leadership positions in the United States and Australia, including Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Palmer College of Chiropractic West, Dean of the Australian College of Physical Education, and School Dean for Chiropractic and Sports Sciences at Murdoch University.

His postgraduate interests include soft-tissue care, sports injuries and taping techniques.

Sports Chiropractic Background

• Throughout his clinical career, Brian has worked with athletes and sporting teams at local, national and international levels.
• National - While practising in Iowa, USA, he served as a team doctor for local high school sports, working with athletes, coaches and parents.
• National - Founding Chair of the University Friendly Elite Athlete Program at Murdoch University, Australia
• International - Four Olympic Games – 1992 Barcelona, 1996 Atlanta, 2000 Sydney and 2002 Winter Olympics Salt Lake City
• International - Three All-African Games
• International - Six The World Games - 2009-2025

Teaching & Education & Jornal Publications

• Education has been a major focus throughout Brian’s career. He began teaching chiropractic technique and undertaking research at Northwestern College of Chiropractic before moving into private practice and later teaching at the Technikon Natal Department of Chiropractic in Durban, South Africa.
• He has taught extensively in chiropractic, manual skills, clinical evaluation, chiropractic philosophy and sports chiropractic at undergraduate, postgraduate and continuing education levels. His academic appointments have included Murdoch University and Palmer College of Chiropractic West, and he has been an active faculty member within FICS education programs.
• Brian has a particular interest in developing the manipulative and clinical skills required for chiropractic practice, including techniques involving both the spine and extremities. He has also supervised Masters and Honours students and contributed extensively to curriculum development, academic governance and the development of chiropractic and sports science education programs.

Research

Brian’s research interests include joint cavitation, motion palpation and diagnostic techniques, clinical outcomes and sports chiropractic. His work has also involved the development of teaching, consulting and research facilities across chiropractic, exercise physiology and sports science. He has contributed to research investigating simulated learning in healthcare, intervertebral disc degeneration and musculoskeletal conditions in athletes, and has helped secure significant research and infrastructure funding for chiropractic and sports science education. Brian has authored and co-authored research relating to sports chiropractic, athlete injury surveillance, manipulation, motion palpation, concussion, rehabilitation and chiropractic education. His published work includes research arising from international sporting events such as the World Games and All-African Games.

Publications

• Nook, D., Nook, E., Nook, B, Utilization of Chiropractic Care at The World Games 2017: A retrospective descriptive report, J Manipulative Physiol Ther. 2023 Jun-Dec;46(5-9):271-279. doi: 10.1016/j.jmpt.2024.03.001. Epub 2024 Aug 10.
• Nook, D., Nook, E., Nook, B., Chiropractic care at the 2013 The World Games: Patient demographics, treatment characteristics, and changes in perceived pain, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Nov-Dec 2016.
• Nook, D., Nook, B., (2011), A report of the 2009 World Games injury surveillance of individuals who voluntarily used the International Federation of Sports Chiropractic delegation, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 34, 1, pages 54-61.
• Lakhani, E., Nook, B., Haas, M., Docrat, A., (2009), Motion Palpation Used as a Post-manipulation Assessment Tool for Monitoring End-Feel Improvement: A Randomised Controlled Trial of Test Responsiveness, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 32, 7, pages 549-555.
• Ebrall, Phillip; Eaton, Sharyn; Hinck, Glori; Kelly, Brian; Nook, Brian; Pennacchio, Valerie. Chiropractic Education: Towards Best Practice in Four Areas of the Curriculum, Chiropractic Journal of Australia, Volume 39 Issue 3 (Sep 2009).
• Schiller, L., Nook, B., (2001), The effectiveness of spinal manipulative therapy in the treatment of mechanical thoracic spine pain: A randomized clinical trial, Journal of the Neuromusculoskeletal System, 24, 6.
• Hinck G, Rich J, Halbert J, Brahee D, Doty J, Nook BC. Athletic Pre-participation physical exams: the promise of screening for adolescent eating disorders. J Sports Chiro Rehab 2000; 14(1):3-9.
• Coetzer D, Nook BC. Controlled clinical trial comparing manipulation to piroxicam for the treatment of acute grade 1 and 2 inversion ankle sprains. JNMS 2001; 9(1).
• Nook BC, Nook DD. Demographics of athletes and support personnel who used chiropractic physicians at the 6th All African Games. J Sports Chiro Rehab 1997;11(4):136-139.