Background: Stress is a physiological response to the mental, emotional, or physical challenges that people encounter. Reactions to stress are also associated with increased secretion of numerous hormones including; glucocorticoids, e.g., cortisol, catecholamines. Methods: The research aimed to check whether craniosacral osteopathic therapy performed over a period of five weeks would affect the values of cortisol level and postural stability amongst sixty firefighter cadets (aged 18-24; 21.63 ± 1.41), involved in rescue operations at traffic accidents (the firefighter cadets underwent qualified paramedic training). The participants were divided into two groups: craniosacral therapy experimental group (30 people) and a control group (27 people). Results: The obtained results show that craniosacral therapy can lead to lower levels of cortisol p < 0.001. It is difficult to state unequivocally that craniosacral osteopathic therapy influenced the values of postural stability; it was noted for the ellipse area in the group subjected to craniosacral therapy for the lower limbs with eyes open p-value = 0.0002. Conclusions: Craniosacral therapy may have a beneficial effect in reducing high cortisol levels.

Background Heart Rate Variability is a simple tool to monitor cardiovascular stress. The proper function of the cardiovascular system is a problem among firefighters. Physical activity has health benefits being correlated with psychological stress. Physically active people should be more resilient to psychological stress but this has not always been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to determine whether cranial techniques would have an effect on HRV parameters. Osteopathy in the cranial reduces stress and improves cardiovascular function. Methods Fifty-seven firefighter cadets aged 18–24 years (21.63 ± 1.41) participated in the study. All subjects had their heart rate variability measured and were randomly assigned either to the cranial techniques (CS) group with therapy performed once a week for 5 weeks) or to the control group (CO). After 5 weeks heart rate variability was measured again in both groups. Results In the Friedman test, in the CS group there was a statistically significant effect of cranial techniques on HR and LF, but not on HF; in the CO group, a statistically significant difference was observed for HR, HF and LF. In the Nemenyi test, in the CS group there was a statistically significant difference for HR and LF and in the CO group for HR, HF and LF. After applying hierarchical clustering with Euclidean measure and the complete method, dendrograms were drawn up showing similarities for HR, HF and LF values. Conclusion The cranial techniques and touch might exert a beneficial effect on HRV.