Clinical Trial

Exploring How Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment May Affect Spinal Fluid Flow: An MRI Study

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Summary
his study aims to investigate whether Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) affects cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow and glymphatic clearance in the human brain. CSF plays an important role in brain health by supporting nutrient delivery, waste removal, and pressure regulation. Aging and certain neurological conditions are associated with reduced CSF circulation and impaired brain waste clearance. Participants will undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans before and after a 30-minute OMT session to evaluate changes in CSF flow dynamics and brain physiology. The study will also examine whether age, cognition, sleep quality, physical function, anxiety, and depression are associated with changes in CSF flow following OMT. The study will enroll healthy adults between 18 and 80 years of age. Data collected from MRI imaging and questionnaires may help improve understanding of the physiological effects of OMT and its potential role in supporting brain health
Trial Details
NCT Number NCT07629765
Lead Sponsor Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Collaborators: Auburn University
Conditions Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) Effects on Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Dynamics
Enrollment 30 participants
Start Date 2026-06
Primary Completion 2027-06 (estimated)
Study Completion 2027-08 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov 2026-06-05