Osteopathic manual therapy effect on sympathetic and immune systems

Abstract

Nowadays, osteopathic manual therapy (OMT) is chosen as the primary method for treating musculoskeletal conditions in equine. It is known that these physical manipulations are used with joints, soft tissues, bones and muscles [3]. With this type of therapy, major results were achieved such as an increased range of motion ant tissue extensibility, reduced pain and inflammation [2]. Also, after OMT, horses were found to be more relaxed. [4] This research could influence the future treatment choice for horses that require rehabilitation, as OMT is a non-invasive procedure that does not involve any harsh medication or surgical interventions. Thus, the aim of this research study was to evaluate the impact of OMT of equine regarding changes in physiological factors such as the heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), temperature (T) and count of white blood cells (WBC). The HR, RR and T were chosen as biomarkers to establish whether OMT would affect the sympathetic nervous system, the WBC level was also evaluated as an immune system biomarker [5, 6]. 30 sport horses were evaluated of which 15 were the experimental group (OG) treated by OMT; 15 horses were the control group (CG).Treatment was performed by the same equine osteopath. Measurements were taken before (PO), immediately after (P1) and an hour after (P2) OMT in OG and at the same time in CG. The average (avg.) HR of OG P0=30.33b/min, P1=35.07b/min, P2=35. 3b/min. Avg. of the HR after procedure decreased 4.27b/min. The avg. HR of CG P0=42b/min, P1=38.67b/min, P2=36.8b/min. Avg. of the HR after procedure decreased 3.33b/min. The avg. RR of OG P0=14.13t/min, P1=12t/min, P2=13.73t/min. Avg. of the RR after procedure decreased 2.3 t/min. Avg. RR of CG P0=13.33t/min, P1=11.47t/min, P2 = 11.87t/min. RR decreased 1.87 t/min after therapy. Avg. T of OG P0=37. 51°C, P1=37. 68°C, P2=37. 58°C.After the therapy, T increased 0.17°C. T in CG was P0=37. 52°C, P1=37. ...[...].