Legasthenia and Osteopathy
Item
- Title
- Legasthenia and Osteopathy
- Author(s)
- van Haentjens Philip
- Abstract
-
The study examined the question of whether osteopathic treatment improves
legasthenic conditions in children aged 6 to 14. The computerised tests were given by a
registered legasthenia trainer, whereas I performed the osteopathic treatments myself. The
result shows that they yielded changes on various levels which the parents noted, including
schooling (study times, concentration), spiritual performance (improved calmness and ability
to relax) and physical improvements (better posture and coordination skills), while the test
and statistic results point to the conclusion that the test and treatments given had no influence
on legasthenic disturbance.
Design:
In order to observe any changes in legasthenic disturbances, the participants were
tested twice prior to treatment, twice after the first treatment and twice after the second
treatment. Six tests and two osteopathic treatments were given (TTtTTtTT). The control
group was only tested 6 times (TT TT TT ). The entire test and treatment cycle extended over
eight weeks. The legasthenic trainer performing the tests did not know how the children were
divided into a test group and a control group.
Method:
Randomised controlled trial with repeated measure design.
Intervention:
I administered osteopathic treatment twice to the participating children. The
treatments were comprised of techniques of structural, visceral, cranio-sacral and biodynamic
osteopathy. All lesions found on the levels mentioned were treated. Dysfunctions in the
pelvic area (especially the os sacrum) were found with particular frequency, and at the upper
ribs (especially costae 1); dysfunctions in the upper neck vertebrae were detected as well.
Measuring method:
The legasthenia trainer tested the study persons according to the random-sample
principle (she did not know which children belonged to the control or the test group) using a
computerised AFS (Attention/Function/Symptom) test form the Austrian Legasthenia
Umbrella Organisation (ADA – Austrian Dyslexia Association). The test examined attention
easy enough for the children to cope with, as well as optical, acoustical and coordinative
parameters. The system operates with a random generator; thus no learning effect was
anticipated. The children were tested six times in eight weeks; there were no tests in Weeks 3
and 6 (“treatment weeks”). Similarly, there were no tests in Weeks 3 and 6 for the control
group (no osteopathic treatment; instead, a “waiting list” and treatment after the sixth test).
Results:
Statistical assessment revealed no proof of significant changes attributable to
osteopathic treatment.
Conclusion:
Although statistical assessment showed no improvement of the dyslectic symptoms,
some of the parents declared that they had the impression that there was visible improvement
and/or alleviation in the schooling area. In this context, re-testing the children after six
months and a year would be extremely interesting, if only to determine whether a long-term
effect ensued from the treatment. Regular treatment over a long period of time would also be
desirable, accompanied by tests; however, the factor of time-consumption and above all the
cost (especially that of the AFS test) make it seem unlikely that that will be workable for an
individual therapist. - presented at
- Wiener Schule für Osteopathie
- Date Accepted
- 2007
- Date Submitted
- 1.3.2007 00:00:00
- Type
- osteo_thesis
- Language
- English
- Submitted by:
- 62
- Pub-Identifier
- 13325
- Inst-Identifier
- 781
- Keywords
- Legasthenia
- Recommended
- 0
- Medium
- vanHaentjens..pdf
- Item sets
- Thesis
- Media
- vanHaentjens..pdf
van Haentjens Philip, “Legasthenia and Osteopathy”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed April 25, 2024, https://www.osteopathic-research.com/s/orw/item/3018