Studying Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment to Improve Sleep and Cognitive Function in Parkinsons Disease

What this Trial Is About

Parkinsonism, primarily caused by Parkinsons disease PD, includes symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slow movements, and balance difficulties. These symptoms often disrupt sleep quality, leading to challenges falling and staying asleep. Poor sleep in PD patients can lower quality of life and increase risks of other health problems and cognitive decline. This study explores whether osteopathic manipulative treatment OMT, a hands-on therapy, can improve sleep quality, cognitive function, and daily activities in people with Parkinsons disease. Participants will be divided into two groups one receiving a specific OMT protocol targeting the cranial, cervical, thoracic, and ribcage areas using established techniques, and a control group receiving a light touch procedure. The OMT techniques include suboccipital decompression, venous sinus drainage, rib raising, and other manipulations aimed at improving circulation and relaxation. The control group receives light touch treatment to compare effects. During the 5-week study, participants will wear Fitbit devices and oxygen saturation rings to objectively track sleep patterns and oxygen levels, while also completing sleep quality surveys. Cognitive function will be assessed using the Stroop task to measure executive function. Researchers will analyze heart rate variability, sleep stages, sleep duration, and oxygen saturation to evaluate treatment effects. This research aims to determine if OMT can be a helpful complementary therapy for improving sleep and cognitive health in PD patients.

Effects of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Protocol on Sleep Quality in Parkinson's Disease Subjects