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Completed

NCT Number: NCT00403936

Effects of OA Decompression on the Autonomic Nervous System

This study was designed to determine whether a simple manipulative technique of relaxing the tissues of the occipito-atlantal junction in the neck had any effect on the activity of the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system. Subjects were dark adapted then measures of pupillary activity, reflecting autonomic nervous system activity were taken before and after treatment. The study hypothesis was that thet treatment technique would have no effect on the pupillary measures, hence indicating no effect on autonomic system activity.

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Key information

Conditions

Muscle Tension

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

College of Osteopathic Med, Nova Southeastern Univ

Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33328, United States

About this study

This study was a within subjects/crossover design in which each subject received the treatment and served as his/her own control. 100 subjects were recruited from the student/staff population of the university, were 18 y/o or older with no condition affecting pupillary activity. Pupillary activity was measured with a PLR100 pupillometer and included pupillary diameter, pupillary response latency, maximum constriction velocity and maximum redilation velocity. Subjects were adapted to a dim light environment, measures taken, treatment given at either third or fourth time period and measures retaken. The study was approved by the NSU IRB. Subject numbers were sufficient to have statistical power to find an effect. The study found an effect of treatment on maximum size, showing a decrease with treatment.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • 18 y/o
  • Normal accommodation and pupillary response
  • Willing to undergo osteopathic manipulation

Exclusion criteria

  • Active ocular or systemic disease
  • Neurologic disease that would alter pupillary response
  • Chronic pain syndromes of head or neck
  • Pregnant
  • Brain injury
  • Taking medications that would alter autonomic tone

Treatment and study plan

OA decompression manipulation

Procedure

Primary outcomes

  1. pupillary diameter

  2. pupillary latency

  3. pupillary constriction velocity

  4. pupillary redilation velocity

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Nova Southeastern University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of OA Decompression on Activity of the Autonomic Nervous System

Important dates

Study start
2005
Study completion
2005
First posted
Nov 27, 2006
Registry last updated
Feb 25, 2010

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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