Effects Of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine On Lower Extremity Muscle Characteristics In Parkinson's Disease Patients

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) on muscle characteristics in the lower limbs of people with Parkinson's disease (PD). The study focuses on measuring muscle stiffness, range of motion, and walking patterns to understand how OMM might influence these factors. Parkinsonism causes symptoms like tremor, muscle rigidity, slow movement, and balance problems, which can affect independence and daily activities. Pain and rigidity are common issues for those with PD, and OMM aims to address these by improving muscle and joint function. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: an experimental group receiving Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, specifically Muscle Energy Technique (MET) applied to the hip, knee, and ankle muscles on both sides; or a control group receiving a sham treatment involving passive joint movements without reaching joint barriers. The OMM treatment involves active muscle contractions against resistance followed by passive stretching, while the sham procedure mimics joint movements without engaging the muscles. Both sessions last about an hour. During the study visit, participants will have muscle stiffness measured with a MyotonPRO device, gait assessed while walking on a treadmill for two minutes, and range of motion measured using a goniometer before and after treatment. One week later, participants will complete a brief phone survey. Researchers will track changes in muscle mechanical stress, stiffness, walking patterns, joint flexibility, and mobility using tools like the Timed Up & Go test and the Lower Extremity Functional Scale. This helps understand how OMM affects muscle quality and function in PD over a short period.

Effects Of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine(OMM) On Lower Extremity Muscle Characteristics In Parkinson's Disease(PD) Patients