Assessing the feasibility of applying a combined osteopathy and psychoeducation therapy (OsteoPeCT) and its influence on levels of psychological and physiological stress in adult participants with moderate stress: A pilot study

Abstract Background: There is mounting evidence suggesting a relationship between stress and adverse health outcomes. Stress is a multidimensional phenomenon requiring a multimodal approach. While there is some evidence indicating a positive effect of massage therapy, there is limited research regarding the impact of related approaches such as general osteopathic techniques (GOTs). Further, research examining the feasibility and effectiveness of combining GOTs with psychoeducation in the management of stress is lacking. The present pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of applying a therapy package consisting of GOTs and brief psychoeducation and its influence on moderate stress in a convenience sample.Methods: A pilot uncontrolled trial with mixed pragmatic and exploratory design was conducted. The therapy package comprised of ten GOTs and ten minutes of scripted psychoeducation (OsteoPeCT) was applied in two sessions over two consecutive days to 18 adult participants with moderate stress. Feedback from participants and challenges experienced by both participants and researchers were recorded. The effects of OsteoPeCT were assessed by measuring pre-and post- intervention scores of self-reported perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale-10, PSS-10; Profile of Mood Scale, POMS) and salivary levels of physiological stress biomarkers (cortisol; secretory immunoglobulin A, sIgA and interleukin-6, IL-6).Results: All aspects related to the application of OsteoPeCT (participant recruitment, participant retention, therapy application, administration of health screen and self-reported perceived stress questionnaires, and the collection of saliva samples for biomarker analysis) were feasible. A total of 18 participants were enrolled. The timing of sessions on consecutive days was reported to be challenging. While a measurable decrease in perceived stress (PSS-10) and in mood scores (Tense, Fatigue, Depression, Anger) were noted post therapy (OsteoPeCT) application, physiological stress markers were unaffected. Diurnal variations of these biomarkers may need further consideration.Conclusion: The application of OsteoPeCT was feasible, well received with some beneficial influence on perceived stress indicating that an integration of psychoeducation and osteopathic care may confer benefits to patients. Future investigations with adapted protocols and larger sample size is warranted to assess effectiveness.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered in Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (registration number ACTRN12620000763943 ) and ICTRP .