How Osteopathic Treatment Affects the Leg and Foot in People With Low Back Pain
Osteopathic Manipulation Treatment Effect on the Leg and Foot Myofascial System in Adults With Chronic Low Back Pain - Pilot Study
Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
20 participants
Nov 5, 2025
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This pilot study will examine whether osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) can improve both physical and psychological aspects of chronic low back pain by focusing on the interconnected myofascial system of the back, legs, and feet. Twenty adults with chronic low back pain will receive four OMT sessions over 5-7 weeks. Before and after treatment, the investigators will measure muscle stiffness with ultrasound, plantar pressure during walking with a pressure plate, and patient-reported outcomes on pain, disability, sleep quality, stress, anxiety, depression, pain catastrophizing, and pain self-efficacy using surveys. By linking these objective and subjective measures, the study aims to provide early evidence of how OMT may influence musculoskeletal function, daily activity, and overall well-being, helping to guide future larger studies on treatment strategies for low back pain
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria2
- male and female subjects 18-65 years old
- presence of chronic low back > 3 months duration or pain present > 50% of the time within the previous 12 months
Exclusion Criteria13
- prior surgery of the thoracic, lumbar or sacral spine, pelvis
- diagnosis lumbar radiculopathy or pinched nerve in the neck
- diagnosis of foot condition that alters gait
- diagnosis of connective tissue or muscle disorders
- diagnosis of cancer
- previous spinal cord injury inflammatory arthritis and fibromyalgia
- pregnancy
- tobacco use
- known diabetes or prediabetes
- allergy to ultrasound gel (propylene glycol)
- history of manual therapy treatment within the past 2 weeks
- injection for pain within the past 1 month
- currently taking muscle relaxers
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Interventions
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) is a hands-on approach where a trained physician uses techniques such as gentle pressure, stretching, and guided movements to improve mobility, reduce pain, and support the body's natural healing. It focuses on the interconnectedness of muscles, joints, and fascia to restore balance and function.
Locations(1)
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NCT07193212