Effects of Osteopathic Technique on Autonomic Nervous System Activity

Participants in this group will undergo three 30-minute sessions of osteopathic therapy. The intervention will involve a combination of the Fourth Ventricle Compression (CV4) technique and the Rib Raising (RR) technique. These sessions will be administered once per week over three consecutive weeks. The CV4 technique involves gentle compression of the occiput to influence cranial rhythmic impulses, while the RR technique involves mobilization of the rib cage to impact autonomic nervous system function.

Participants in this group will receive three 30-minute sessions focusing solely on the Fourth Ventricle Compression (CV4) technique. The sessions will be conducted once per week for three consecutive weeks. The CV4 technique involves applying gentle pressure to the occiput with the goal of affecting cranial rhythmic impulses and promoting autonomic nervous system balance.

Participants in the placebo group will undergo three 30-minute sessions of a sham procedure using an ultrasound transducer. The transducer will be applied in a manner that mimics a therapeutic intervention, but without delivering any actual therapeutic effect. These sessions will also be conducted once per week for three consecutive weeks.

Participants in the placebo group will undergo three 30-minute sessions using an ultrasound transducer as part of a sham procedure. The transducer will be applied to the body in a manner that mimics a therapeutic intervention, but it will not deliver any actual therapeutic effect. This procedure is designed to simulate the experience of receiving treatment without providing the physiological benefits associated with active ultrasound therapy. The sessions will be conducted once per week over three consecutive weeks.

Participants in this study will undergo monitoring of Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA) using the Infiniti 8 measuring device. This system includes a ProComp Infiniti encoder, which is a versatile and advanced tool for capturing physiological signals, and the Biograph Infiniti software, which, along with the Physiology Suit, allows for detailed analysis and monitoring of autonomic nervous system function.