The effect of manual diaphragm release on lung function and tension headaches in individuals with tension headaches

Item

Title
The effect of manual diaphragm release on lung function and tension headaches in individuals with tension headaches
Author(s)
White, Vanda
Abstract
ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to ascertain the effect of osteopathic treatment to the diaphragm on lung function measures and tension headache symptoms in patients with tension type headache.HypothesisThe application of manual diaphragm release will improve lung function and tension headache frequency in individuals with tension headaches.
MethodsA pre and post experimental design was conducted on five individuals who suffered tension headaches according to the International Headache Classification Subcommittee (IHS), 2004. Participants were placed into an experimental group who received four osteopathic treatments. All participants recorded headache frequency, intensity and duration in a headache diary for one week pre-treatment, and continued to record throughout the treatment period until one week after treatment had concluded. Pre and post treatment lung function measures were recorded for peak expiratory flow and thorax diameter which was measured from the level of the xipoid process. All tests of significance were set at P=0.05.
ResultsThree people completed the full study; one participant attended all treatment sessions however, did not complete the headache diary and one participant only attended one treatment. The results indicate there was no statistically significant improvement in tension headache occurrence (P=0.114) following the intervention period. Other measures of headache intensity (P=0.771) and duration (P=0.338) also did not have statistically significant change from pre intervention measures. Lung function measurement for peak expiratory flow did not have significant change (P=0.994) nor did thorax diameter on either inhalation (P=0.447) or exhalation (P=0.461) following the intervention period.
ConclusionFollowing osteopathic intervention directed at the diaphragm no measures of headache symptoms or lung function showed statistically significant change in the experimental group however, individual differences existed between baseline and post intervention periods.
Date Accepted
2017
Date Submitted
12.11.2018 12:37:43
Type
osteo_thesis
Language
English
Number of pages
39
Submitted by:
4457
Pub-Identifier
16232
Inst-Identifier
1076
Keywords
osteopathy, tension-type headache, diaphragm, lung function
Recommended
0
Item sets
Thesis

White, Vanda, “The effect of manual diaphragm release on lung function and tension headaches in individuals with tension headaches”, Osteopathic Research Web, accessed May 4, 2025, https://www.osteopathic-research.org/s/orw/item/381