Can osteopathic manipulative treatment modify the posture in elderly people? - a single-case study

In this research, we have studied the consequences of three consecutive osteopathic manipulative sessions (OMS) on postural control by using a single-case research (SCR) design. The patient was a 77 years old woman complaining of altered balance and low-back pain. OMS were delivered by a single practitioner. The pain level was self-rated by using a visual Borg scale. The posture was monitored on a force platform. Postural parameters were deduced from the analysis of the centre of foot pressure (CoP) displacement. The statistical significance of the observed differences was established by using an SCR-related effect size indicator (i.e. Taunovlap). Our results indicate that OMS decrease the patient's pain, modify CoP mean position and decreased the length and velocity of the CoP displacement. Furthermore, modifications of the body oscillations were observed after OMS. This work indicates that OMS can improve body balance and that SCR allows the objective evaluation of the consequences of OMS.