Effectiveness of osteopathic manipulative applications on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis in youth with major depressive disorder: a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Context Osteopathic treatments regulate the neurovegetative system through joint mobilizations and manipulations, and myofascial and craniosacral techniques. Despite the growing body of research, the precise impact of osteopathic medicine on the autonomic nervous system (ANS) is not yet fully elucidated. As to Kuchera's techniques, the stimulation of the sympathetic trunk and prevertebral ganglia contributed to harmonization of the sympathetic activity. However, potential relationships between the harmonization of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis largely remain uncertain and warrant further exploration. Objectives This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the osteopathic sympathetic harmonization (OSH) on the SNS and the HPA axis in youth with major depressive disorder (MDD). Methods The study included 39 youths aged 15–21 years and diagnosed with MDD. The participants were randomly assigned into either the OSH or the placebo group. Stimulation was performed on the sympathetic truncus and prevertebral ganglia in the OSH group. The stimulation of the placebo group was performed with a lighter touch and a shorter duration in similar areas. Each participant completed the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (SAI and TAI) before the application. Blood pressure (BP) and pulse measurements were made, and saliva samples were taken before, immediately after, and 20 min after application. Results The baseline BDI (p=0.617) and TAI (p=0.322) scores were similar in both groups. Although the SAI scores decreased in both groups postintervention, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups. Subjects who received OSH had a decrease in α-amylase level (p=0.028) and an increase in cortisol level (p=0.009) 20 min after the procedure. Conclusions Following OSH application in depressed youth, SNS activity may decrease, whereas HPA axis activity may increase. Future studies may examine the therapeutic efficacy of repeated OSH applications in depressed individuals.