Testing hands-on treatment for sleep quality

Parkinsonism, mainly caused by Parkinsons disease (PD), includes symptoms like tremors, stiffness, slow movements, and balance problems. These symptoms can make it hard for people to sleep well, which leads to a lower quality of life and can increase the risk of other health issues and cognitive decline. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a hands-on approach that may help improve sleep without the side effects of traditional treatments. While OMT has shown promise in enhancing sleep, no studies have specifically looked at its effects on sleep in Parkinson's disease patients. This study aims to see if OMT can help improve sleep quality, cognitive function, and daily activities for people with PD. The investigators will focus on treating specific areas of the body, using techniques that have helped improve sleep in the past. Participants will be divided into two groups: one will receive OMT, while the other will get a light touch treatment as a control. Sleep surveys and data from Fitbit devices will be used to compare the effects of the two treatments. Additionally, cognitive function will be assessed using a specific task called the Stroop task. This research could show that OMT can be a valuable addition to treatments for improving sleep quality in people with Parkinsons disease.

Parkinsonism is primarily linked to Parkinsons disease (PD) and presents a range of symptoms including tremors at rest, muscle stiffness, slowed movement (bradykinesia), and difficulties with balance. These symptoms can significantly disrupt sleep patterns, making it challenging for individuals to both fall asleep and stay asleep. As a result, many patients experience reduced sleep quality, which can adversely affect their overall well-being and make them more vulnerable to additional health problems, including cognitive decline. Osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) is a holistic, hands-on therapy aimed at enhancing the body's natural ability to heal and function. It focuses on manipulating the body's muscles and joints to improve circulation and promote relaxation, which may lead to better sleep outcomes. Unlike some conventional treatments that often come with unwanted side effects, OMT offers a potentially safer, individualized approach to managing sleep disorders, especially in the context of Parkinsons disease. Despite the promising indications that OMT could improve sleep quality, there has been a lack of focused research on its application specifically for patients with Parkinsons disease. This study aims to fill that gap by investigating how targeted OMT can influence sleep quality, cognitive function, and daily activities in individuals diagnosed with PD. The treatment protocol will specifically target areas of the body such as the cranial, cervical, thoracic, and rib regions, using established OMT techniques that have previously shown efficacy in enhancing sleep quality. Participants will be assigned to one of two groups: the treatment group receiving OMT and a control group receiving a light touch treatment, which serves as a placebo. To assess the effectiveness of the OMT, the investigators will employ a variety of measurement tools. Sleep quality will be evaluated through self-reported surveys as well as objective data collected using Fitbit devices, which can track sleep patterns and quality metrics. Additionally, cognitive function, particularly executive function, will be assessed through the Stroop task, a well-established cognitive test that measures a persons ability to manage conflicting information. By systematically comparing the outcomes of the OMT group to those of the control group, this research aims to demonstrate the potential benefits of OMT as a complementary treatment for improving sleep quality in patients with Parkinsons disease. The findings could pave the way for integrating OMT into standard care practices, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for individuals living with this challenging condition.