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Osteopathic manipulation as a complementary approach to Parkinson's disease: A controlled pilot study
Joanne DiFrancisco-Donoghue1, Theresa Apoznanski2, Kristen de Vries2
1Department of Osteopathic Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine, New York Institute of Technology (NYITCOM), Old Westbury, NY, USA.
Neurorehabilitation
|November 5, 2016
Summary
Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) improved motor function in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients over six weeks. While balance did not significantly change, OMM shows promise as a complementary therapy for PD motor symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Integrative Medicine
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) utilizes manual forces to enhance physiological function and homeostasis.
- Previous research suggests OMM can improve balance in individuals experiencing dizziness and gait in Parkinson's disease (PD).
- This study investigated the efficacy of a specific OMM protocol for improving motor function and balance in PD patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of a structured Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine protocol on motor function and balance in individuals with Parkinson's disease.
- To determine if bi-weekly OMM treatments are superior to weekly counseling sessions in improving PD-related motor and balance deficits.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 11 participants (mean age 75±16) diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
- Participants were randomized to receive either bi-weekly OMM treatments or weekly counseling sessions for six weeks.
- Motor function and balance were assessed using the MDS-UPDRS, Sensory Organization Test (SOT), and Mini-BESTest.
Main Results:
- The OMM group demonstrated a significant improvement in the MDS-UPDRS scores, indicating enhanced motor function.
- No statistically significant improvements were observed in the Sensory Organization Test (SOT) or Mini-BESTest scores for either the OMM or control group.
- Despite a lack of statistical significance in balance measures, clinically relevant improvements were noted in the OMM group.
Conclusions:
- Pilot data suggests that six weeks of bi-weekly OMM treatment can lead to improvements in motor function for individuals with Parkinson's disease.
- OMM did not yield significant improvements in balance metrics within the study's timeframe.
- OMM may serve as a valuable complementary therapy for enhancing motor function and potentially balance in the management of Parkinson's disease.
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