Research Digest

1. “Disproportionate Olympic Rings” – the usage of a biopsychosocial (BPS) framework of care when managing people with musculoskeletal pain by osteopaths in Aotearoa/New Zealand– A qualitative study

   To address chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain effectively, a multidimensional model of care such as the biopsychosocial (BPS) model may be required. However, to date, the incorporation of the BPS model into osteopathic practice by New Zealand (NZ) osteopaths is unknown. Hence, the aims of this study were to: 1) investigate the incorporation of the BPS […]

2. Building an evidence base for osteopathy: Trials and tensions. A qualitative study of the experience of clinicians engaging in research

   Engaging in clinical research includes confronting challenges about the uncertainty around outcomes and ramifications the results may have on practice. This is pertinent for osteopathy where little is known about the experiences of osteopaths involved in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to explore the lived experience of osteopaths who participated in a […]

3. Comparison of the effects of abdominal massage and osteopathic manipulative treatment home program on constipation in children with cerebral palsy

   The aim of this study is to compare the effects of osteopathic manipulative therapy home program (OMT-H) versus abdominal massage home program (AMHP) in treating constipation in children with cerebral palsy (CP) … MORE

4. Effects of Suboccipital Release Osteopathic Manipulation on Autonomic Nervous System: Insights from Short-Term QT Interval Measurements in Healthy Young Adults

   Osteopathic physicians employ the Sub Occipital Release (SOR) manipulation technique to promote wellness and modulate the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). It has been found that this technique promotes relaxation and balance throughout the body. The principle behind SOR involves targeting mechanoreceptors found within the deep fascia, connective tissue, and muscles of the sub occipital area. […]

5. Professional skill priorities: Comparison views of osteopathy industry professionals and osteopathy students

   This paper investigates the perceptions, attitudes and experiences of osteopathy students who had opportunity to engage with differing curriculum interventions focused on patient communication, and compare these with those of industry professionals … ABSTRACT

6. A modern way to teach and practice manual therapy

   Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading contributor to global disability and health burden. Manual therapy (MT) interventions are commonly recommended in clinical guidelines and used in the management of musculoskeletal conditions. Traditional systems of manual therapy (TMT), including physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, and soft tissue therapy have been built on principles such as clinician-centred assessment, patho-anatomical reasoning, […]

7. Strain of the Vertebral Artery During Passive Neck Movements and Spinal Manipulation of the Cervical Spine: an observational study.

   Neck pain is a common condition, and a frequent treatment is chiropractic cervical spinal manipulation therapy (cSMT). However, cervical spinal manipulations have been associated with excessive cervical artery elongations, allegedly causing arterial dissection leading to stroke. The primary purpose of this study was to quantify the total vertebral artery elongations during cSMT, and secondarily, quantify […]

8. The Efficacy of Early Osteopathic Therapy in Restoring Proper Sucking in Breastfed Infants: Preliminary Findings from a Pilot Study

   Despite the care provided, some newborns, who are perfectly healthy, show functional alterations that impair a good breast attack in the first few days. This situation often leads to the early failure of lactation. We conducted a randomized single-blind controlled trial to evaluate whether four weeks of osteopathic treatment can normalize the sucking score in […]

9. A modern way to teach and practice manual therapy

   Musculoskeletal conditions are the leading contributor to global disability and health burden. Manual therapy (MT) interventions are commonly recommended in clinical guidelines and used in the management of musculoskeletal conditions. Traditional systems of manual therapy (TMT), including physiotherapy, osteopathy, chiropractic, and soft tissue therapy have been built on principles such as clinician-centred assessment, patho-anatomical reasoning, […]

10. Primary and secondary prevention of musculoskeletal pain and disability in Chiropractic, Osteopathy, and Physiotherapy: a scoping review

    Musculoskeletal prevention is a key priority in public health and for national health systems due to the increasing number of people living with persistent conditions, including musculoskeletal (MSK) complaints. There is no robust review of the evidence on COP interventions and MSK prevention, such as what the current state of conceptual debate is about a […]