Efficacy of Osteopathic Manipulation on Breathing Mechanics in a Healthy Population: A Randomized Controlled Study

Efficacy of Osteopathic Manipulation on Breathing Mechanics in a Healthy Population: A Randomized Controlled Study

This study focused on improving breathing mechanics by using various osteopathic manipulative therapy (OMT) techniques. The investigators randomly assigned participants to a control group who received sham treatment and a treatment group who received OMT. The investigators measured variable pre- and post- treatment on both groups. The investigators observed an improvement in breathing mechanics in the treatment group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy volunteers from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine (TouroCOM), including students and staff, were recruited as subjects of this study. Any participant with recent or past medical history of obstructive or restrictive lung disorders, recent trauma, or illnesses, and/or chest abnormalities were excluded from the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Certain study results were excluded on the basis of abnormal baseline measurements, including but not limited to, heart rate, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, improper spirometer use, technique and/or high variance among the repeated measurements obtained for each participant.