4th Ventricular Compression Technique on Anxiety

The Efficacy of the 4th Ventricular Compression Technique on Anxiety in Students: RCT

Determinate the effects of the technique of 4th ventricle in college students with anxiety, applying the technique one time per week during three weeks.

The anxiety is a warning sign that makes it possible for the individual to defend themselves and protect themselves from threats. This is considered a natural and necessary reaction for self-preservation. However, when it appears persistently, exaggeratedly or disproportionately in relation to a stimulus, the following are considered: pathological anxiety.

The compression of the fourth ventricle (CV4) is one of the most well-known procedures in the practice of cranial manipulation. It is also one of the most clinically tested techniques and has been postulated to be associated with decreased sympathetic tone.

Therefore, this was the chosen technique, as it significantly affects the relaxation of the SNS tonus and, thereafter, anxiety.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Ages between 18 and 25 years old;
• Be a college/university student;
• Not have knowledge of the technique used;
• Achieve a 20 plus score on the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory questionnaire.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of pharmacological therapy for psychological disorders;
• Presence of conditions that prevent or contraindicate the technique, including tumors, fractures, dislocations, vertebrobasilar insufficiency, bone diseases, neurological diseases, fever, skin diseases, cardiovascular diseases, psychiatric diseases, increased intracranial pressure.
• Surgeries or traumas in the specific areas of the technique;
• Pregnancy;
• Osteopathic treatments or other manual therapies aimed at reducing anxiety;
• Evident postural alteration or deformity of the thoracic cage.