European Journal of Osteopathic Research, 2019/11, 1(1):17-27. doi: 10.35740/EJOR.2019.1.1.3, type of study: ,qs,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Free full text   (https://european-journal-of-osteopathic-research.com/v1/n1/the-role-of-mental-imagery-in-osteopathic-palpation/)

Keywords:

mental imagery [2]
tactile haptic perception [1]
palpation [217]
osteopathic manipulative treatment [3946]
OMT [3925]
qualitative study [290]

Abstract:

Background: Palpation constitutes a central element of osteopathic diagnosis and therapy. It is a complex tactile performance and as such also depends on cognitive factors. References by experienced osteopaths (EOs) suggest that the ability to visualise anatomical structures is essential during palpation. Scientific studies in this field can hardly be found. This study aimed to systematically determine what role mental imagery (MI) plays for osteopaths and especially what the benefits are when it is used spontaneously and deliberately. Material and Methods: The present study is a qualitative study. Nine interviews with EOs were carried out with the help of an interview guideline and analysed using a qualitative analysis of content using the software MAXQDA. Results: All EOs regarded MI as a tool as well as an interfering factor for palpation. Its supporting role was associated with the identification, recognition and comparing of anatomical conditions, with directing attention, with navigation and orientation. The limiting character showed up in distraction and deception by mental images. The results also revealed the situational use of MI as well as different mental images and influencing factors (e.g. visuali-sation training). Discussion: The study provides an insight into the application knowledge of EOs and shows some aspects of palpation, which have been subject to little research so far. Being aware of and understanding the role of MI as a top-down process in tactile-haptic perception should change the focus in palpation. The findings can be incorporated in daily practice as well as in the training system. To regard MI as a possible bias can lead to reassessment and realignment of reliability studies. This study offers a basis for other studies to work from to ex-plore the nature of MI in the tactile-haptic perception of osteopaths.