The AAO Journal, 2023/06, 33(2):36. doi: 10.53702/2375-5717-33.2.20, type of study: ,ppt,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (https://meridian.allenpress.com/aaoj/article/33/2/20/493544/LBORC-NUFA-Poster-Abstracts-2023-Students)

Keywords:

OMT [3924]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3945]
performance [34]
pretest posttest design [240]
recovery [20]
running [19]
sports [158]

Abstract:

Introduction/Background: Studies have shown that coaches notice improvement in their athletes’ performance following Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT). However, objective evaluation of individual performance following OMT is not well documented. Our hypothesis is that following OMT, runners will appreciate significant improvement in their running performance and perceived recovery. The OMT used in this study follows the respiratory-circulatory model, which focuses on maximizing blood flow to and from targeted tissues to optimize function. Methods: Following consent and neurologic exam, eleven adult runners from a 10K training program participated in the study for six consecutive weeks. Each week, pre-run full body treatments based on the respiratory circulatory model were performed. Participants completed a baseline timed one mile run and validated RESTQ survey. After the initial visit, participants received OMT weekly for five weeks before their run, with a final appointment to repeat a timed mile, RESTQ survey, and subjective survey. A paired t-test was used to validate the results with a p value of 0.05. Results: Out of the eleven participants, 91% felt an improvement in their running performance and 54.5% of participants felt a decreased recovery time. Faster one mile run time was noted with an average decrease from 10.25 minutes to 9.73 minutes (p=4.0e-6) and there was an overall decrease in sports stress (p=.004) using the RESTQ survey with emphasis on decreased muscle aches and decreased stiffness during performance. Discussion/Conclusion: This study finds that utilizing OMT through the respiratory circulatory model should be considered in athletes to objectively aid performance and subjectively improve recovery. Some limitations of this study include a small sample size and variability in number of treatments received (36% received less than 4 treatments).