Date of Award

2014

Degree Type

Selective Evidence-Based Medicine Review

Degree Name

Master of Science in Health Sciences - Physician Assistant

Department Chair

John Cavenagh, PhD, PA-C

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this selective EBM review is to determine whether or not the use of fascial manipulative therapy helps to improve overall asthma quality of life by decreasing asthma symptoms.

STUDY DESIGN: Review of two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one case study, published between 2005-current, all in the English language.

DATA SOURCES: Two randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and one case study, all of which evaluate the effectiveness of fascial manipulative therapy as it pertains to asthma quality of life. All studies were found using PubMed.

OUTCOMES MEASURED: The outcomes measured were an improvement of asthma quality of life pertaining to asthma symptoms. These improvements were based on verbal reports given by patients and/or guardians, asthma quality of life questionnaires, and PFTs related to morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS: The RCT by Mehl-Madrona et al. and the case study by Gillespie both demonstrate that the use of fascial manipulation therapy help to improve asthma quality of life by decreasing asthma symptoms. While Guiney et al. did not demonstrate a decrease in morbidity and mortality associated with an increase in PFTs, the study does report patients “feeling better” after receiving fascial manipulation therapy.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this review demonstrate that there is evidence to support that the use of fascial manipulation therapy can improve overall asthma quality of life by helping to decrease asthma symptoms. While there was no documented decrease in morbidity and mortality, all three studies showed that the use of fascial manipulation therapy, such as craniosacral and myofascial release Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT), can release myofascial tension and help patients to “breathe better”.

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