Lymphatic Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Protocol for Healthy Individuals: A Crossover Self-Controlled Clinical Trial

Summary

The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) enhances immune system readiness in healthy adults compared to exercise or sham light treatment. Specifically, the goal of this study is to assess circulating immune cells and signaling molecules in the blood in response to these various treatments. It aims to compare: Complete Blood Counts (CBC) and blood immune signaling molecule levels in healthy adults in response to OMT, sham light touch, and exercise, with measurements taken at multiple time points. Researchers will compare immune blood cells and signaling molecules in response to OMT versus sham light touch and exercise within the same group of healthy adults measured at three time points for each of the three total visits. Participants will do a 15-minute OMT session, a 15-minute light sham session, or a 15-minute exercise session at each of their three separate visits (they will do one of each over the course of their 3 appointments in random order). They will have three blood draws taken at each of those three visits. They will also fill out a Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) survey to assess their level of physical activity throughout the study.

Description

Eligibility

Age range

18+ years

Sex

All

Healthy volunteers

Yes

Interventions

• Procedure
  Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)

  A full standardized lymphatic protocol will be performed, including thoracic inlet left and right, thoracoabdominal release, pelvic diaphragm release, pedal pump, splenic pump, and abdominal lymphatic pump. This treatment will be done by systematically working down and back up. The protocol will last a total of 12 minutes for each participant

• Other
  Sham Light Touch

  A full standardized 12-minute session in which treaters will mimic various osteopathic manipulative techniques at specific anatomical locations without applying pressure or manipulation.

• Other
  Exercise Protocol

  A full standardized moderate-intensity physical activity as defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Target heart rate for moderate-intensity exercise should be between 64 and 76% of maximum heart rate. To estimate age-related heart rate, subjects' age will be subtracted from 220. Then, that number will be multiplied by 75%, which will be standardized across all subjects in the study. Heart rate will be monitored with the use of an attached pulse-ox monitor. Treadmill speed will be adjusted accordingly so that each subject maintains a heart rate of 75% of their maximum heart rate. A brisk walk will be done on a flat treadmill and no incline will be utilized. Subjects will be allowed a minute of warm-up to get to the appropriate pace/target heart rate.

Locations (2)