Effect of manual osteopathic treatments on physical performance

Background Manual osteopathic treatments (osteopathic manipulative treatment, OMT) are gaining importance in the field of sports medicine. However, there remains a paucity of systematic studies on the effects of these substances on the physical performance of healthy, athletically active adults. Objective The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of a standardized series of osteopathic treatment on metabolic, cardiovascular, muscular and functional parameters in 200 healthy adults. Materials and methods In a clinical comparative study, 200 participants were assigned to either an treatment group (n = 100, four 90-minute osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) sessions over 8–12 weeks) or a control group (n = 100, no treatment). Pre- and post-measurements of blood lactate (levels 1–3), relative and absolute VO₂max, isometric strength (legs, trunk, grip) and mobility (cervical spine, jaw opening, finger-floor distance, splits, SIAS rotation) were performed under standardized conditions (22°C, same times of day) by test administrators who were not privy to the subjects' identities. The statistical analysis encompassed a range of methodologies, including paired and independent t-tests, ANCOVA, Pearson correlations, and multiple linear regressions, with a significance level of α = 0.05. Results The treatment group demonstrated a significant reduction in lactate levels across all three exercise levels (level 1: Δ − 0.11 mmol/l, t = − 4.41; level 3: Δ − 0.26 mmol/l, t = − 5.43; p < 0.001). The relative VO₂/kg demonstrated a significant increase of 2.58 ml/min/kg (t = 3.67; p = 0.0003; d = 0.52), while the absolute VO₂max only exhibited a tendency to increase (p = 0.065). A decrease in heart rate was observed during exercise (t = − 2.39; p = 0.0176), while blood pressure changes remained non-significant. The results demonstrated a significant increase in leg strength, with an average gain of 16.02 kilograms (t = 5.92; p < 0.0000001). Additionally, trunk and hand strength exhibited a notable enhancement (t > 3.95; p < 0.0001). A substantial enhancement in mobility was observed in the cervical spine (t = 3.39; p = 0.0009), jaw opening (t = 3.64; p = 0.0004), finger-floor distance (t = 5.43; p < 0.0001), splits (t = 3.44; p = 0.0007) and SIAS rotation (t = − 3.61; p = 0.0004). Multiple regression explained 16% of the variance in lactate reduction through combined strength and flexibility gains; an extended model (including step position, heart rate) explained 26%. Conclusion The administration of four standardized manual osteopathic sessions has been demonstrated to result in a marked enhancement of metabolic efficiency (as indicated by a reduction in lactate levels), cardiovascular adaptation (as evidenced by a decrease in heart rate), aerobic capacity (as reflected by an increase in VO₂/kg), muscular strength, and functional mobility in healthy, physically active adults. The results of the present study underscore the potential of OMT as an integrative measure in performance and rehabilitation programmes. It is recommended that future studies direct their attention towards the investigation of long-term effects, the determination of treatment doses, and the exploration of mechanistic principles, including but not limited to neurovascular, myofascial, and immunological processes.