Research Digest

1. Effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment on comorbid depressive symptoms in patients with chronic low back pain: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

   Chronic low back pain (CLBP) and depressive symptoms (DS) are highly prevalent, burdensome, costly and comorbid health conditions. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) was shown to improve pain and disability in patients with CLBP; however, the effect on comorbid DS remains less certain. Interestingly, CLBP and DS seem to be associated with changes in interoception, which […]

2. Longitudinal outcomes among patients with fibromyalgia, chronic widespread pain, or localized chronic low back pain

   The objective of this study was to compare longitudinal outcomes of patients with FM, CWP, or localized chronic low back pain (LBP) to determine whether FM is an extreme manifestation of the CWP continuum … MORE

3. Carpal tunnel dimensions following osteopathic manipulation utilizing dorsal carpal arch muscle energy: a pilot study

   Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common entrapment neuropathy. When mild to moderate in severity, nonoperative treatments including osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) have been found to be effective. Studies have been carried out to quantify the mechanism of such treatments with cadaver studies, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasound. This pilot project investigated the […]

4. The role of osteopathic manipulative treatment in neurological disorders: A critical review with clinical advice

   Since more people age and live longer with chronic disease, it is important to develop complementary and adjunctive approaches to improve body homeostasis and ensure the highest possible level of well-being for people affected by neurological disorders, besides the known benefits related to neurorehabilitation. In this context, osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) should be considered a […]

5. Employment characteristics of individuals who received osteopathic care: a retrospective cross-sectional observational study

   The profile and clinical presentation of people consulting osteopaths in Belgium has been studied and reported before. Information on employment aspects of such individuals is lacking. The aim of this cross-sectional observational study was to contribute to filling this gap … ABSTRACT

6. Investigating the trustworthiness of randomized controlled trials in osteopathic research: a systematic review with meta-analysis

   The objective of this review is to systematically investigate trustworthiness (methodological rigor, transparency, good governance, research integrity, and absence of misconduct) in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of osteopathic manual therapy … MORE

7. The effect of osteopathic manipulative treatment on chronic rhinosinusitis

   Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is a prevalent inflammatory disease of the paranasal sinuses that may significantly impair quality of life. CRS may also benefit from the application of manual techniques through osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which aims to improve venous and lymphatic circulation, sympathetic and parasympathetic outflow, and cervicothoracic somatic dysfunction. This study aimed to assess […]

8. Effects of a single osteopathic manipulative treatment on intraocular pressure reduction: a pilot study

   Research on the effects of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) on visual functions and conditions is very limited. This study continues the exploration on the application of OMT with the intent of lowering intraocular pressure (IOP). A pilot randomized clinical trial was conducted to assess the impact of one OMT session on patients diagnosed with suspected […]

9. Acute changes in functional connectivity associated with first osteopathic manual treatment in chronic low back pain spatially overlap with opioid receptor expression

   Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) has emerged as a therapeutic approach for chronic low back pain (cLBP). Previous Magnetic Resonance (MR) studies have demonstrated that four weeks of OMT alter resting-state functional connectivity (rs-FC) in the somatosensory cortex, prefrontal regions, and frontal operculum/insula. However, it remains unclear whether a single session of OMT can immediately affect […]

10. Alignment between the research question, design and terminology is required in manual therapy trials – a methodological study.

    This methodological study aimed to assess the design, reporting, and risk of bias in effectiveness trials in manual therapy, comparing pragmatic with non-pragmatic trials and trials with and without placebo controls … ABSTRACT