Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 2016/10, 13(4):eA20-eA21. doi: 10.1515/jcim-2016-0102, type of study: ,crs,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

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Keywords:

crossover study [17]
stress [116]
three diaphragms technique [1]

Abstract:

Background: Long-term stress can have a significant impact on physical and psychological health. Objectives: To determine if the effect of the three diaphragms technique (TDT) reduces levels of perceived stress. Methods: A cross-over design involving 16 subjects with long-term stress as identified by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS10). Subjects were randomly divided into two groups. Group 1 participated in an osteopathic ‘clean up’ treatment followed by two sessions of the TDT. Secondly, they participated in one music therapy session. Group 2 participated in the same treatments but in opposite order. The treatments took place one week apart. Stress was measured using the PSS10 and the Psychological Stress Measure (PSM9). Results: A significant decrease in scores was found after the osteopathic clean-up for the PSS10 but not for the PSM9 although it was in the anticipated direction for both groups scores combined (PSS10 4.3/40 points, 95% CI [2.1, 6.3], p < .001; PSM9 5.1/72 points, 95% CI [-1.9, 8.3], p=.145). A greater decrease was found after the TDT for both PSS10 and PSM9 (PSS10 7.4/40 points, 95% CI [4.5, 10.2]; PSM9 11.7/72 points, 95% CI [4.5, 10.2], p <.001). No significant change was identified in either the PSS10 or PSM following music therapy (PSS10 0.1/40 points, 95% CI [-1.9, 2.0], p=.950; PSM9 1.5/72 points, 95% CI [-1.9, 4.9], p=0.385). Conclusion: These findings suggest that an individualized osteopathic clean-up treatment and TDT can reduce perceived high stress levels.