Abstract

Aim: To estimate and compare the effect of osteopathic manipulation therapy (OMT) on gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) against a placebo.
Material: The study group consisted of 58 patients who had GERD symptoms for a mean duration of 10.7 years. Twenty-six men and 18 women were administered OMT, and eight men and six women were administered a placebo.
Methods: The study was a randomised double-blinded multicentre trial with a stratified parallel group design. Patients were allocated (3:1) to OMT or placebo by block randomisation. OMT included traction of the cardiac, mobilisation of the diaphragm and thoracic spine, and posture correction once per week. The control group was treated with a non-active laser pen on the epigastric area. The degree and duration of GERD symptoms, provoking factors, and use of antireflux medication were recorded by the patients.
Results: All the GERD symptoms were significantly reduced (p<0.01) 1 week after the last treatment in the OMT group compared to no reduction in the control group. The reductions were significantly in the favour of OMT (P<0.01). Twelve percent of the OMT patients were symptom free, and 75% reported a greater than 50% reduction in symptoms. “Acid taste in the mouth” and “heartburn” was reduced by 81%. The median time of pain relief was significantly reduced in the OMTgroup compared with that in the control group (p<0.01).
Conclusion: OMT had a significant effect on the GERD symptoms and might be an alternative treatment for reflux oesophagitis.