The AAO Journal, 2025/06, 35(2):24. doi: 10.53702/i2375-5717-35.2.13, type of study: ,sco,

Full text    (https://aaoj.kglmeridian.com/view/journals/aaoj/35/2/article-p13.xml)

Keywords:

Alzheimer&rsquo [4]
s disease [71]
amyotrophic lateral sclerosis [6]
dementia [11]
Huntington&rsquo [2]
s disease [71]
neurogenerative disorder [3]
OMT [3925]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3946]
Parkinson&rsquo [7]
s disease [71]
scoping review [57]

Abstract:

Introduction/Background: Neurodegenerative disorders (ND) are characterised by age-dependent damage and neuronal loss. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), consisting of non-invasive modalities used to treat multiple conditions, has proven to increase range of motion and decrease pain. However, OMT’s efficacy in ND has not been well-established. This study aims to gather information on OMT’s impact on patient quality of life for Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), dementia, Huntington’s disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). Methods: Literature was collected through EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE and Web of Science. Criteria was limited to papers in English and published after 1995. Human subjects were included, with the exception of AD in which rat models were used. The most commonly diagnosed neurodegenerative disorders were chosen to generate a broad pool of results. 143 articles were identified, with eleven articles selected for analysis. Results: Seven studies highlighted OMT’s effect on PD. Five addressed patients’ gait, one investigated PD-related constipation, and one evaluated PD-related reactive oxygen species biomarkers. PD patients reported improved gait and constipation. Three studies, utilizing rat models, addressed OMT’s effects on AD. Two studies discussed OMT’s effects on spatial memory; one study explored its effects on biomechanical processes involving AD. One study addressed OMT’s safety and practicality in ALS management. ALS patients demonstrated high satisfaction levels with OMT. No data was found regarding OMT’s effects on Huntington’s Disease. Conclusions: Overall, OMT is a modality that may be used as an adjunct to traditional treatment regimens for NDs. However, research is necessary to support OMT’s long-term efficacy in managing NDs. Limitations of this study include the use of rat models due to unavailable clinical studies for AD, as well as small patient pools.