What this Trial Is About

This research aims to determine whether osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) can help adults recover their sense of smell after losing it due to COVID-19 infection. Loss of smell is a common symptom of COVID-19 that affects quality of life and safety. The study will also explore how long any improvement in olfactory function lasts. Participants must be adults who tested positive for COVID-19 and currently have some loss of smell. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either OMT or a sham treatment. The OMT involves occipitoatlantal decompression with specific pressure for 2 minutes and treatment of nasal Chapman points, both performed while lying down. The sham treatment consists of the investigator gently resting their hands on the participant's neck for 5 minutes. Olfactory testing using the "Sniffin' Sticks" method will be done before and after treatment, with follow-up tests daily for up to 10 days to assess changes in smell. Throughout the study, participants will undergo repeated smell tests and evaluations to monitor recovery. The primary outcome is the ability to regain the sense of smell from enrollment until two weeks after treatment. Safety monitoring includes screening for factors that might interfere with treatment or increase risks. The total participation involves initial assessment, treatment, and up to 10 days of follow-up testing to observe lasting effects or natural recovery of smell.

Investigating the Efficacy of OMT to Recover Olfactory Perception After COVID-19