Asthma and Osteopathic Manipulative Technique

Description

Asthma is a common respiratory condition that can be difficult to control despite the use of medications such as inhalers, oral steroids or even injectable medications. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is a hands-on technique used to improve the chest structure and function and may help in improving breathing. Previous research showed that OMT in asthma patients, can improve the movement of the ribs and improve the “peak flow” which is the maximum rate at which a person can exhale air after taking a deep breath. However, no studies have evaluated the impact of OMT on lung inflammation.

This single-site research study at University Hospitals aims to evaluate whether Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) can reduce lung inflammation and improve breathing and lung function in adult patients with asthma. The lung function will be evaluated by Spirometry which is a test that measures how much air you can breathe in and out of your lungs, as well as how quickly and easily you can exhale air. The lung inflammation will be measured using a device that can detect how much you are breathing out Nitric Oxide which is a gas produced by inflamed cells in the lungs, this test is called: Fractional exhaled Nitric Oxide or FeNO. Approximately 100 participants will be enrolled.