Effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on the Inflammatory Mediators Related to Asthma

Date

2015-05-01

Authors

Ragland, Christina E.

ORCID

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of OMT on the macroscopic and microscopic measures of asthma. This was accomplished through a repeated measures design, and the asthma quality of life questionnaire was used to assess asthma severity. Inflammatory proteins known as cytokines, fractional exhaled nitric oxide, and spirometry were used to assess for change immediately after the OMT was performed. Although no statistically significant changes were measured, inflammatory cytokines specific to asthma decreased (IL-4, IL-5), while more general inflammatory cytokines increased after OMT (IL-6, CRP). Spirometry showed a slight decrease in FEV1 and FVC after OMT, although this decrease was neither statistically nor clinically significant. These trends illustrate the need for further investigation into the mechanism of OMT and its role in asthma treatment. The inflammatory cascade that drives asthma is complex and other diseases and lifestyle habits also generate and modify inflammation in the body. As such confounding factors such as gastroesophageal reflux disease, obesity, COPD, and cigarette smoking, should be taken into consideration in future studies.

Description

Citation