Does Osteopathic Treatment affect the Quality of Life of Patients with Primary Dysmenorrhea? A Single Case Study
Item
- Title
- Does Osteopathic Treatment affect the Quality of Life of Patients with Primary Dysmenorrhea? A Single Case Study
- Author(s)
- Macdonald, J
- Abstract
- Background: Primary Dysmenorrhea is a gynaecological condition women of child-bearing age are challenged with worldwide, affecting them not only on a physiological but also psychological level. Since conservative medicinal treatment is often ineffective and results are short-lived the need for research into multidisciplinary approaches seems justified. To date there have been only a handful of studies exploring the implications of oMT on the symptoms of this condition. Objective: To investigate the influence of osteopathic treatment on the physiological and psychological impairment of PD sufferers. Design: ABBA single-case research design. Methods: Two primary dysmenorrhea patients were recruited within the European School of Osteopathy student population. The subjects completed daily the Mankoski Pain Scale Form, the Medication Diary and the Blood Flow Chart. Quality of life was reported monthly via the SF-36 questionnaire.The study comprised 4 phases, with each phase lasting one menstrual cycle: a baseline observation period (phase A1), an intervention (phase B1 and B2) and a post-intervention period (phase A2). The intervention, a realistic osteopathic treatment scenario consisted of a wide range of techniques (Visceral, cranial, HVT, BLT, BMT, Fasciar manipulation, Soft tissue work and articulation). Results: whereas in participant 1, pain, blood flow and medication intake decreased after intervention only pain levels decreased in patient 2. However patient 2 experienced an additional bleed in phase B1 the day after the 1st intervention. None of the noted changes were statistically significant. ln neither participant changes were identified in the SF-36 questionnaire throughout the study. Discussion: Limitations of the present study include its' difficulties to contain variables such as stress, additional OMT and lifestyle changes. Since both participants were osteopathic students, mental and physical pressure might have decreased their accuracy when filling out the forms. Their daily exposure to OMT in school possibly reduced their responsiveness to treatment. Nevertheless the data point to a possible impact of OMT on the quality of life in primary dysmenorrhea. Conclusion: Although decrease in pain levels and alteration in menstrual patterns could be observed in both patients, changes were not statistically significant. Hence, in order to determine the efficacy of osteopathic treatment in the management of Primary Dysmenorrhea further investigations are paramount.
- presented at
- European School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 2017
- Date Submitted
- 4.12.2017 17:06:21
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 16047
- Inst-Identifier
- 1229
- Keywords
- Primary Dysmenorrhea, SF-36 Quality of Life, Osteopathy, Single Case Research Design
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Macdonald, J, “Does Osteopathic Treatment affect the Quality of Life of Patients with Primary Dysmenorrhea? A Single Case Study”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed April 23, 2025, https://library.wso.at/s/orw/item/489