Effect of OMT on Asthma Symptoms in Southwest Virginia
Condition: Asthma
MeSH terms: Asthma
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      There is a high prevalence of asthma in southwest Virginia and there are multiple osteopathic
      manipulative techniques (OMT) which are thought to improve lung function. However, there are
      inadequate studies regarding the effectiveness of using osteopathic manipulative treatment
      (OMT) as an office treatment or a home treatment to address obstructive lung disease. In
      addition, there is little information on the level of acceptance, use, and cost effectiveness
      of using OMT in rural southwest Virginia. The purpose of this study is to determine the
      viability of OMT treatment with asthma, the level of acceptance in selected clinics in
      southwest Virginia, and the effectiveness of home OMT education in order to implement a
      program to improve asthma control. The study hypotheses are: 1. Osteopathic manipulation
      delivered to the asthmatic patient will significantly improve spirometry values, thoracic
      excursion, and subjective asthma symptoms. (.05 alpha) 2.Patients who are taught and use a
      home treatment regime for asthma will significantly improve spirometry values, thoracic
      excursion, and subjective asthma symptoms after two weeks, compare with those who do not have
      home treatment.

      3.Physicians educated on the use of OMT for asthma will increase their perceived future use
      of OMT as an adjunct to treat this disorder.
    

Detailed description: 
      In this study, participants will be recruited from several family practice, pulmonologist,
      and asthma specialist offices in southwest Virginia. These participants will undergo two
      visits. At the first visit, a lung assessment comprised of three components will be
      performed, then a 10 minute OMT session, then the lung assessment will be repeated. The lung
      assessment includes a patient symptom survey, a thoracic excursion measurement, and
      spirometry. The participants will then be divided into one of two groups. Group 1 will have
      no further instruction while group 2 will be taught some simple home OMT techniques and asked
      to do them at home. Both groups will return two weeks later for a follow up lung assessment.
      Results when then be studied to determine the effect of OMT on lung function in asthmatics as
      well as the effect of incorporating home OMT. In addition, physicians will be involved in
      learning about OMT and these techniques and they will be assessed for a change in attitude,
      awareness, and willingness to incorporate OMT when applicable.
    

Intervention name(s): Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment - in clinic; Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment - at home; Education to physicians
Intervention type(s): Procedure; Procedure; Other
Intervention description(s): I will do a thoracic/rib screening and treatment with muscle energy or facilitated positional release, a diaphragm soft tissue release, suboccipital release, and a thoracic compression. This treatment takes 10 minutes and is only done at the first visit.; One group will learn how to do three home OMT techniques: suboccipital release, pectoral traction, and rib raising. They will be asked to do this at least 4 times a week for two weeks.; I will educate physicians using demonstration and reading material as to the possible benefits of incorporating it into the treatment of asthma.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)
Primary purpose: Treatment