Electroencephalography (EEG) measurements during osteopathic palpation (using an involuntary motion approach)
Item
- Title
- Electroencephalography (EEG) measurements during osteopathic palpation (using an involuntary motion approach)
- Author(s)
- Goldspink Andrew
- Abstract
- This pilot study was aimed at investigating the effect of osteopathic palpation (using an involuntary motion approach) on human brain wave activity, by means of electroencephalography (EEG). Involuntary motion is one form of osteopathic diagnosis and treatment. It entails the palpation of a very subtle motion (rhythm) that passes through all tissues, hence, can be palpated anywhere on the body. Dr Sutherland first introduced the concept of involuntary motion into the osteopathic profession in the 1930’s. Since this time much research and debate has occurred to attempt to substantiate its existence. Three adult subjects received four EEG runs comprising, three experimental runs (involving palpation by an osteopath) and one control run (involving palpation by a person not qualified in osteopathy). Only two runs were performed on a subject at one time. Analysis of EEG recordings included interpretation of raw EEG data and Fourier (frequency) analysis of that data. Analysis of brain wave activity was restricted to alpha and theta waves. Due to practical limitations analysis was undertaken only performed on two subjects. Given the limited number of subjects analysed, no firm conclusions could be drawn from the study. However, the findings were as follows:- distinct changes in brain wave activity (alpha and theta) closely associated with osteopathic palpation were noted in one subject; - based on the experimental findings it is possible to hypothesize that osteopathic palpation has the potential to relax patients. However, assessment of relaxation was limited to the interpretation of changes in brain wave activity;In terms of the methodology and analytical procedure developed, it is believed that this study has provided a good baseline from which future studies can learn.
- presented at
- British School of Osteopathy
- Date Accepted
- 2000
- Date Submitted
- 31.7.2000 00:00:00
- Type
- undergraduate_project
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 12144
- Inst-Identifier
- 780
- Keywords
- Palpation,Involuntary Motion,Eeg,Electroencephalography
- Recommended
- 0
- Item sets
- Thesis
Goldspink Andrew, “Electroencephalography (EEG) measurements during osteopathic palpation (using an involuntary motion approach)”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 1, 2025, https://www.osteopathic-research.com/s/orw/item/1461