Clinical Trial: Effect of CV4 and Rib Raising Techniques on Autonomic Balance

Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Interventional




Official Title: Variations of Heart Rate Variability and Skin Conductance Reveal the Influence of CV4 and Rib Raising Osteopathic Techniques on the Autonomic Nervous System: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Brief Summary:

Background. Heart rate variability (HRV) and skin conductance (SC) reflect autonomic activity and the balance of autonomic nervous system (ANS) which regulates involuntary physiological functions. The modulation of ANS tonic activity is a target of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). The main aim of the present study was to verify whether CV4 and RR osteopathic techniques influence ANS activity, as measured by HRV and SC.

Trial design. A randomized-controlled clinical trial was performed from June 2010 to January 2011.

Methods. 32 healthy adults (33.9±14 years, and 72% female) were selected. At enrollment, all subjects were randomized in three groups: CV4 group (CV4 technique), Rib Raising group (RR technique), and Placebo group (PL technique). Each subject of each group underwent respective technique only once. HRV and SC was continuously recorded during the session respectively with heart rate monitor Polar S810i and with Onda Scanner Domiana (OSD-Microsale model). All data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical software and the significance level was considered at p≤0.05.