Immediate changes in electroencephalography activity in individuals with nonspecific chronic low back pain after cranial osteopathic manipulative treatment: study protocol of a randomized, controlled crossover trial.

Wagner Rodrigues Martins,Marcia Elisabeth Rodrigues,Ana Clara Bonini-Rocha,Karina Ferreira Lagoa,Ricardo Jacó De Oliveira,Juscelino Castro Blasczyk,Leonardo Rios Diniz,Sérgio Thomaz

doi:10.1186/s12906-015-0732-2

Wagner Rodrigues Martins, Marcia Elisabeth Rodrigues + Show 6 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-015-0732-2

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Abstract

BackgroundOsteopathic medicine is based on a diagnostic and therapeutic system to treat tissue mobility/ motility dysfunctions in general, using different approaches (depending on the target tissue) known as osteopathic manipulative treatment. Among the available techniques those ones addressed to the cranial field are the most questioned because of the lack of scientific evidence; but the compression of the 4th ventricle technique has been largely studied in clinical trials. Studies have shown that the technique may affect both central and autonomous nervous system, modulating some reflexes (Traube-Hering baro signal), and modifying brain cortex electrical activity through central sensitization in subjects with chronic low back pain. Thus, investigators hypothesize that the compression of the 4th ventricle may modulate peak alpha frequency (eletroencephalographic assessment) and promote physical relaxation in subjects in vigil.Methods/DesignA randomized, controlled crossover trial with blinded assessor was designed to test the hypothesis. A total of 81 participants will be assigned to three treatment conditions, with seven days of washout: (I) compression of the 4th ventricle; (II) sham compression of the fourth ventricle; (III) control (no intervention). The (I) power amplitude and the (II) frequencies of the dominant peak in the alpha band will be the primary outcome measures of the study. All participants will be recruited at the Outpatient Rehabilitation Service of the University Hospital of Brasília – University of Brasília. All the electroencephalographic exams will be conducted by a blinded assessor.DiscussionThe investigators hypothesize that patients with chronic low back pain submitted to the technique would have the peak alpha frequency modulated and, thus, would experience physical relaxation.Trial registrationNCT02111382

Highlights

Osteopathic medicine is based on a diagnostic and therapeutic system to treat tissue mobility/ motility dysfunctions in general, using different approaches known as osteopathic manipulative treatment
The investigators hypothesize that patients with chronic low back pain submitted to the technique would have the peak alpha frequency modulated and, would experience physical relaxation
The aim of the study is to assess the CV4 technique effects on nonspecific chronic low back pain measured by the mean change in the peak alpha frequency (PAF)

Summary

Introduction

Osteopathic medicine is based on a diagnostic and therapeutic system to treat tissue mobility/ motility dysfunctions in general, using different approaches (depending on the target tissue) known as osteopathic manipulative treatment. Among the available techniques those ones addressed to the cranial field are the most questioned because of the lack of scientific evidence; but the compression of the 4th ventricle technique has been largely studied in clinical trials. The World Health Organization considers OM as complementary or alternative medicine, and it is based on concepts and unique approaches that enable the self-healing and self-regulating process within the body [2, 3]. Among the available OMT techniques, those addressed to the cranial field are the most questioned because of the lack of scientific evidence. Much discussion remains on the hands ability to perceive PRM through the obliterated sutures of the skull in adults, besides the lack of evidence to support them [6, 7]

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