An experimental study to compare the effects on the autonomic nervous system (measured by change in blood pressure and heart rate) of an oscillation technique applied to T1-T5 on normotensive subjects either of two different frequencies (0.5 Hz or 2.0 Hz)

Item

Title
An experimental study to compare the effects on the autonomic nervous system (measured by change in blood pressure and heart rate) of an oscillation technique applied to T1-T5 on normotensive subjects either of two different frequencies (0.5 Hz or 2.0 Hz)
Author(s)
Herre, A-J
Abstract
Objective: The aim of this experimental study was to compare the effects of two different frequencies (0.5 Hz and 2.0 Hz) of application of an oscillation technique which is commonly used by osteopaths with the aim to balance the ANS when applied to the thoracic spine (T I -T5). Physiological parameters measured were blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR). Design: A randomised, single-blind, non-crossover pilot study was carried out on a total of 60 normotensive male and female students of the European School of Osteopathy aged 19-53 years. The subjects were divided into 3 groups, one control group and 2 experimental groups. The Electronic Omron 71 I sphygmomanometer was used to measure BP and HR as parameters of the ANS. Background: Oscillation techniques applied to the thoracic spine aim to modify neural reflexes of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) by restoring mobility of the segments. Various osteopathic techniques have been researched for their effects on the ANS with inconsistent results. Whilst most researched techniques were applied to the cervical spine, techniques on the thoracic spine are rare. Only two studies suggest that this diversity of ANS responses found are a result of varying quality and quantity of the techniques applied. Therefore the present study takes up this concept to investigate the effects of a commonly used oscillation technique applied to the thoracic spine as an area that anatomically should affect the ANS. Results: Statistical analysis of the data by paired t tests and Wilcoxon's tests showed a significant decrease in systolic BP in the experimental group that received a low frequency technique (0.5 Hz). Diastolic BP and HR appeared to have significantly increased in the control group. A general tendency was observed for systolic and diastolic BP to decrease or increase less than the 2.0 Hz group whereas systolic and diastolic BP mainly increased in the 2.0 Hz group. There was no significant change between the fast and the slow oscillation frequency when compared to the control group following the ANOVA test. Conclusion: The present study suggests that an oscillation technique applied to the thoracic spine has a potential to inhibit the ANS when applied in a slow frequency (0.5 Hz) and to excite it when applied with a fast frequency (2.0 Hz). It therefore confirms previous studies and osteopathic literature which emphasize the role of osteopathy in the treatment of hypertension. It also explains the inconclusive results of various previous studies investigating into the effects of osteopathic techniques on the ANS as most research has not taken into consideration the quantity of the applied techniques. Significant increases in diastolic BP and HR in the control group are attributed to highly individual variability observed in the past. This study however provides a starting point for further research into the effect of oscillation techniques applied to the thoracic spine on the ANS to elaborate more sensitive variables for the most effective procedures and techniques to create the most effective response in the treatment of hypertension.
presented at
European School of Osteopathy
Date Accepted
2012
Date Submitted
22.1.2013 16:23:35
Type
osteo_thesis
Language
English
Submitted by:
62
Pub-Identifier
15220
Inst-Identifier
1229
Keywords
Autonomic nervous system, Blood pressure, Heart rate, Oscillation technique, Different frequencies,
Recommended
0
Item sets
Thesis

Herre, A-J, “An experimental study to compare the effects on the autonomic nervous system (measured by change in blood pressure and heart rate) of an oscillation technique applied to T1-T5 on normotensive subjects either of two different frequencies (0.5 Hz or 2.0 Hz)”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 2, 2024, https://www.osteopathicresearch.com/s/orw/item/845