Efficacy and Feasibility of an Osteopathic Intervention for Neurocognitive and Behavioral Symptoms Usually Associated With Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and feasibility of a 4-week planned osteopathic manipulative treatment intervention on the improvement of neurocognitive and behavioral symptoms usually associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Thirty-two symptomatic children without fetal alcohol spectrum disorder aged 3–6 years with low level of attention from two schools and an osteopathic center were recruited in a prospective randomized pilot study in an osteopathic manipulative treatment group [osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT)] or a control group (standard support measures). Neurocognitive maturity test results for attention (A), iconic memory (IM), spatial structuration (SS), and visual perception (VP) were recorded at baseline and post-intervention. No adverse effects were communicated and there were no dropouts. A significant increase in neurocognitive assessments was observed in children in the OMT group at post-treatment. Intergroup post-intervention statistical differences were found for A, SS, and IM were p = 0.005, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001, respectively; no differences were seen for VP (p = 0.097). This study shows that a 4-week osteopathic manipulative treatment intervention may be a feasible and effective therapeutic approach for neurocognitive and behavioral symptoms usually present in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, justifying more studies on children affected by this condition.

Effect of Osteopathic Manipulation in an Autism Spectrum Child With Speech Impairment and Attention Deficit: A Case Report

“…The rationale behind utilizing osteopathic manipulation in individuals with ASD lies in its holistic approach to health and its potential to address underlying physical dysfunctions that may contribute to the presentation of ASD symptoms. While the exact etiology of ASD remains unclear, there is growing evidence to suggest that structural and biomechanical factors may play a role in the pathophysiology of the disorder [11][12][13][14]. Osteopathic manipulation seeks to address these factors by identifying and correcting musculoskeletal imbalances, cranial restrictions, and somatic dysfunctions that may impact neurological function and sensory processing.…”