Effect of manual osteopathic techniques on the autonomic nervous system, respiratory system function and head-cervical-shoulder complex-a systematic review.

Background: Osteopathic manual techniques are now widely used in medicine worldwide. At present, there are no clear conclusions regarding the possibility of affecting the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS), respiratory system and head-cervical-shoulder complex by manual osteopathic techniques. Objectives: The aim of the study was to review the current literature regarding the possible impact of osteopathic manual techniques on the state of the autonomic nervous system, spirometric parameters of the respiratory system and the state of the head-collar-shoulder complex. Methods: Publications have been searched in the following databases: PubMed, Virtual Health Library and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The search strategy included keywords related to manual osteopathic treatment, autonomic nervous system, spirometry, respiratory function and head, neck and shoulder pain. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed. The PRISMA guidelines were used for the systematic review. Studies from 2010 to 2023 were selected. Results: Using the proposed descriptions and manual searches from the literature of other works, 40 studies were found, out of which 22 were rejected because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. The analysis included: 15 randomized controlled trials, 3 pilot studies. Conclusion: Studies clearly show the effect of OMT on both spirometric parameters and the condition of the head-collar-shoulder complex. Most often this translates into improved ANS performance, but there are exceptions. Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, CRD42023476963.

Effects of the Fourth Ventricle Compression Technique and Rib Raising Osteopathic Technique on Autonomic Nervous System Activity Measured by Heart Rate Variability in 35 Healthy Individuals.

BACKGROUND Fourth ventricle compression (CV4) is a cranial osteopathic manipulation technique for brain and cranial nerve function. Rib raising is an osteopathic technique that reduces rib restriction and conditions associated with sympathetic hypertonia. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the CV4 and rib raising osteopathic techniques on autonomic nervous system activity, measured by heart rate variability, in 35 healthy individuals. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study involved 35 healthy participants, randomly divided into 2 groups. The experimental group received osteopathic therapy in the form CV4 and rib raising techniques for 30 min. The placebo group had a sham procedure performed using an ultrasound transducer for 20 min. The test of heart rate variability was conducted for 6 min, with participants in a seated position. RESULTS A significant decrease in heart rate values was observed in the experimental group (P=0.012), and an increase in the standard deviation of all the rib raising intervals parameter and a decrease in the high frequency% parameter was observed in the placebo group (P=0.035, P=0.048; respectively). There were no differences in other parameters between the groups. CONCLUSIONS The use of the CV4 technique and rib raising technique leads to a significant decrease in heart rate, which can be interpreted as increased parasympathetic activity; however, the use of these techniques did not affect the other parameters.

Short-term effect of osteopathic manual techniques (OMT) on respiratory function in healthy individuals.

BACKGROUND: Respiratory system diseases are some of the most common pathologies worldwide. Although osteopathic manual therapy (OMT) is used predominantly to treat other pathologies, certain OMT techniques have been shown to improve patients' respiratory function. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the influence of osteopathic techniques on breathing. METHODS: Tests were performed with the use of a spirometer and the results were expressed as Forced Vital Capacity (FVC), Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1), and Peak Expiratory Flow (PEF). Thirty healthy males and females between the age of 18 and 50 took part in the research. Fifteen individuals were randomly assigned to the experimental group and fifteen persons were assigned to the placebo group. The participants from the experimental group were treated with such osteopathic techniques aimed at the pulmonary system as the thoracic thrust (manipulations of vertebral joints and ribs), the sternal pump technique and stretching of the diaphragm. The placebo group was treated with soft tissue therapy (STT) techniques for the masseter muscle. RESULTS: The described set of osteopathic techniques exerts an influence on PEF in healthy individuals; however, it does not affect FVC and FEV1. CONCLUSION: Osteopathic techniques do not seem to improve lung health, as reflected in FEV1 and FVC, but they improve the respiratory function aspects reflected by PEF in the participants without any history of lung disease.