RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06766279

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

Sponsor

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine

Enrollment

32 participants

Start Date

Aug 29, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Anosmia

Summary

One of the most widespread symptoms of COVID-19 is loss of the sense of smell. There are very few treatments for helping individuals recover their sense of smell. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) may be a useful tool in helping people recover their smell perception. In this study the investigators test whether OMT can be used to help individuals recover their sense of smell if they lost it during COVID-19.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria2

Positive COVID-19 test or diagnoses
Self-reported deficiency in sense of smell

Exclusion Criteria6

Age under 18 years
Pregnancy
Any findings on the osteopathic screening/evaluation that would hinder the effectiveness or increase the risk associated with OA decompression
Any medication that interferes with the sense of smell (intranasal zinc, intranasal antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids)
Allergic rhinitis
Use of oral corticosteroids or antihistamines.

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Interventions

PROCEDUREOsteopathic Manipulative Treatment

The OMT intervention in this study will be comprised of an occipitoatlantal (OA) decompression and treatment of the nasal Chapman point. The OA decompression will be applied for 2 minutes with 12N of pressure as this pressure has been determined to produce the greatest effect. Treatment at this level reduces congestion of nasal mucosa. The suboccipital decompression technique is generally considered to bear minimal risks and is perceived by most patients as a pleasant experience. This technique is considered to be a basic skill among osteopathic physicians. It is usually taught within the first semester of the first year at Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine. The other intervention technique will be addressing the nasal Chapman points that are found at the tip of the transverse process of C1 and the costochondral junction of the first rib on each side. Both techniques are performed while the subject is supine.

PROCEDURESham treatment

The sham intervention will consist of the subject lying supine with the investigator's hands resting gently on both sides of subject's neck for 5 minutes.