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Healthy Young AdultsNCT04391777

Determine the Effect of the Fourth Ventricle Compression Technique on Physiological Variables

A study testing Fourth ventricle compression technique (CV-4) in people with Healthy Young Adults, run by Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde do Porto at 1 site in Portugal.

Unknown status

Status not confirmed. The sponsor has not verified this record for over two years, so it may be out of date.

Official record
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Trial summary

This study aims to analyze the influence of the fourth ventricle compression technique in heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, conductivity and thermal variability of the skin in healthy young adults. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 18 to 33 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
Conditions the study is for
Healthy Young Adults
What is being tested?
Fourth ventricle compression technique (CV-4)
Could I receive a placebo?
Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
How many people
60 participants
Where
1 sitePortugal
Study dates
Sep 2024to Dec 2024
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 18 to 33 years
  • All sexes
  • Healthy volunteers accepted
  • Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Healthy participants aged between 18 and 33 years.

Who cannot join

  • Cognitive deficits that can possibly compromise the understanding of the study instructions;
  • Any type of medication taken that may have influences at the variables under study in the previous 7 days;
  • Cranio-cervical injuries, surgery to the skull and /or spine in the last 12 months;
  • Chronic cardiorespiratory, renal, systemic, neurological, musculoskeletal, oncological and psychiatric pathologies;
  • Headaches, migraines, dizziness and / or nausea while performing the techniques;
  • Caffeine and / or alcohol intake in the 6 hours prior to the data collection;
Show all 11Show fewer
  • Tobacco consumption in the 30 minutes prior to the data collection;
  • Practice of intense physical exercise in the 90 minutes prior to the data collection;
  • Pregnant women or menstruating;
  • Participants who were submitted to manual therapy treatments during the past month;
  • Osteopathy students of 3rd year or higher degree, in order to prevent the participant from recognizing which group they belong to.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Portugal1 site
  • Escola Superior da Saúde do Porto

    Porto, 4200-072

    Natália MO Campelo, +351 938 674 365, ncampelo.estsp.ipp@gmail.com

    Natália MO Campelo

Other trials in Portugal

About this study

Official title: Determine the Effect of the Fourth Ventricle Compression Technique on Heart Rate, Respiratory Rate, Blood Pressure, Thermal Variation and Skin Conductivity in Healthy Young Adults: a Randomized Clinical Study

This study aims to analyze the influence of the fourth ventricle compression technique in heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, conductivity and thermal variability of the skin in healthy young adults.

Read the detailed description

The fourth ventricle compression technique (CV-4) is one of the most important techniques in the treatment of cranial osteopathy.

During the present study, the effects of CV-4 technique will be analyzed in the following variables: heart rate, respiratory rate, blood pressure, conductivity and thermal variation of the skin.

According to the literature, CV-4 technique will cause changes in all of the studied variables, except the respiratory rate, through the activation of the brain stem, namely the parasympathetic nerve centers.

Regarding the respiratory rate, it is justified by the fourth ventricle and the respiratory centers proximity.

Concerning heart rate and respiratory rate, during the CV-4 technique the literature describes a decrease in the values of this variables. However, other studies refer that the technique does not produce relevant effects in the heart and respiratory rates variation, probably because there was no stipulated time to finish the technique, ending subjectively compared to previous ones.

When it comes to blood pressure, a decrease in systolic blood pressure values is noticed by some authors.

In which concerns the variation in body temperature, according to the literature, there were no significant results obtained when performing CV-4.

During the performed literature analysis,there were not found any studies concerning the influences of the CV-4 technique in the thermal conductivity variable.

Being tested
Fourth ventricle compression technique (CV-4), Sham
Keywords
Osteopathy, Fourth ventricle compression technique, Physiological variables

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Fourth ventricle compression technique (CV-4)Other

    The participant is in the supine position and the principal investigator is seated at the patient's head, with elbows resting on the table. The main investigator overlaps his hands with the thenar eminences, contacting the occipital bone squamous part, between the external occipital protuberance and the participant's occipito-mastoid suture. The technique begins with a maintained compression on the occipital squamous part during a deep thorax exhalation. Throughout the compression of the occipital bone and the participant's voluntary inspirations, the principal investigator feels a gradual pressure increase at the thenar eminences. The technique will be performed until reaching the still point, in which the mobility of the occipital bone, respiratory rate and muscle tone decrease, or until 5 minutes elapsed.

  • ShamOther

    The main investigator uses the technique contact but does not perform any type of tissue traction or compression, maintaining this contact for 5 minutes. At the end of the stipulated time, the contact is removed in a subtle way.

Study groups in NCT04391777
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
CV-4 groupExperimentalThe initial selection will be made through a questionnaire, in order to fulfill the exclusion and inclusion criteria. On the data collection day a more detailed survey is performed and informed consent is signed. The patient waits for 5 minutes in the supine position, after which the baseline evaluation is performed. The CV-4 technique is performed following immediate evaluation. 15 minutes after the technique, a new evaluation of the variables is accomplished.
Receives: Other: Fourth ventricle compression technique (CV-4)
Control groupSham comparatorThe initial selection will be made through a questionnaire, in order to fulfill the exclusion and inclusion criteria. On the data collection day a more detailed survey is performed and informed consent is signed. The patient waits for 5 minutes in the supine position, after which the baseline evaluation is performed. The sham technique is performed following immediate evaluation. 15 minutes after the technique, a new evaluation of the variables is accomplished.
Receives: Other: Sham

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Change from Baseline in heart rate variability immediately after the intervention

    To obtain the heart rate measurements, a pulse volume sensor (Biosignalsplux researcher) was connected to the third finger of the hand, with the patient lying supine. The sensor was only removed after completing all the evaluation moments.

    Measured: Immediately after the intervention.

  2. Change from Baseline in heart rate variability 15 minutes after the intervention

    To obtain the heart rate measurements, a pulse volume sensor (Biosignalsplux researcher) was connected to the third finger of the hand, with the patient lying supine. The sensor was only removed after completing all the evaluation moments.

    Measured: 15 minutes after the intervention.

Secondary outcomes (8)
  1. Change from Baseline in respiratory rate variability immediately after the intervention

    To obtain the respiratory rate measurements, a respiratory belt transducer (Biopac Systems) was adjusted to the patient's thorax, at the xiphoid process level, with the patient lying supine. The sensor was only removed after completing all the evaluation moments.

    Measured: Immediately after the intervention.

  2. Change from Baseline in respiratory rate variability 15 minutes after the intervention

    To obtain the respiratory rate measurements, a respiratory belt transducer (Biopac Systems) was adjusted to the patient's thorax, at the xiphoid process level, with the patient lying supine. The sensor was only removed after completing all the evaluation moments.

    Measured: 15 minutes after the intervention

  3. Change from Baseline in blood pressure variability immediately after the intervention

    To obtain the blood pressure measurements, a digital sphygmomanometer was applied to the patient's left arm, with the patient lying supine. The sensor was only removed after completing all the evaluation moments.

    Measured: Immediately after the intervention.

  4. Change from Baseline in blood pressure variability 15 minutes after the intervention

    To obtain the blood pressure measurements, a digital sphygmomanometer was applied to the patient's left arm, with the patient lying supine. The sensor was only removed after completing all the evaluation moments.

    Measured: 15 minutes after the intervention.

  5. Change from Baseline in skin conductivity variability immediately after the intervention

    To obtain the skin conductivity measurements, 2 electrodermal activity sensors (Biosignalsplux researcher) were connected to the patient's first finger, on the carpometacarpal and metacarpophalangeal joints, with the patient lying supine. The sensor was only removed after completing all the evaluation moments.

    Measured: Immediately after the intervention.

  6. Change from Baseline in skin conductivity variability 15 minutes after the intervention

    To obtain the skin conductivity measurements, 2 electrodermal activity sensors (Biosignalsplux researcher) were connected to the patient's first finger, on the carpometacarpal and metacarpophalangeal joints, with the patient lying supine. The sensor was only removed after completing all the evaluation moments.

    Measured: 15 minutes after the intervention.

  7. Change from Baseline in skin thermal variation immediately after the intervention

    To obtain the skin thermal variation measurements, negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor sensors (Biosignalsplux researcher) were connected to the patient's first finger, on the carpometacarpal and metacarpophalangeal joints, with the patient lying supine. The sensor was only removed after completing all the evaluation moments.

    Measured: Immediately after the intervention.

  8. Change from Baseline in skin thermal variation 15 minutes after the intervention

    To obtain the skin thermal variation measurements, negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor sensors (Biosignalsplux researcher) were connected to the patient's first finger, on the carpometacarpal and metacarpophalangeal joints, with the patient lying supine. The sensor was only removed after completing all the evaluation moments.

    Measured: 15 minutes after the intervention.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted18 May 2020
  2. Study startSep 2024 (estimated)
  3. Primary completionDec 2024 (estimated)
  4. Study completionDec 2024 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Double blind
Who is masked
Participant, Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
60 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT04391777
Sponsor's protocol ID
OST1- 002
Status last verified
Apr 2024
First submitted
13 May 2020
Last updated
2 Apr 2024
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Publications

  • Jakel A, von Hauenschild P. Therapeutic effects of cranial osteopathic manipulative medicine: a systematic review. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2011 Dec;111(12):685-93.

    PubMed 22182954
  • Cardoso-de-Mello-E-Mello-Ribeiro AP, Rodriguez-Blanco C, Riquelme-Agullo I, Heredia-Rizo AM, Ricard F, Oliva-Pascual-Vaca A. Effects of the Fourth Ventricle Compression in the Regulation of the Autonomic Nervous System: A Randomized Control Trial. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:148285. doi: 10.1155/2015/148285. Epub 2015 Jun 14.

    PubMed 26199632
  • Milnes, K., & Moran, R. W. (2007). Physiological effects of a CV4 cranial osteopathic technique on autonomic nervous system function: A preliminary investigation. International Journal of Osteopathic Medicine, 10(1), 8-17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijosm.2007.01.003

  • Cutler MJ, Holland BS, Stupski BA, Gamber RG, Smith ML. Cranial manipulation can alter sleep latency and sympathetic nerve activity in humans: a pilot study. J Altern Complement Med. 2005 Feb;11(1):103-8. doi: 10.1089/acm.2005.11.103.

    PubMed 15750368
  • Miana L, Bastos VH, Machado S, Arias-Carrion O, Nardi AE, Almeida L, Ribeiro P, Machado D, King H, Silva JG. Changes in alpha band activity associated with application of the compression of fourth ventricular (CV-4) osteopathic procedure: a qEEG pilot study. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2013 Jul;17(3):291-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2012.10.002. Epub 2012 Nov 16.

    PubMed 23768271
  • Curi ACC, Maior Alves AS, Silva JG. Cardiac autonomic response after cranial technique of the fourth ventricle (cv4) compression in systemic hypertensive subjects. J Bodyw Mov Ther. 2018 Jul;22(3):666-672. doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2017.11.013. Epub 2017 Dec 9.

    PubMed 30100295
  • Bayo-Tallon V, Esquirol-Caussa J, Pamias-Massana M, Planells-Keller K, Palao-Vidal DJ. Effects of manual cranial therapy on heart rate variability in children without associated disorders: Translation to clinical practice. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2019 Aug;36:125-141. doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.06.008. Epub 2019 Jul 2.

    PubMed 31383430

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Fourth ventricle compression technique (CV-4) in people with Healthy Young Adults, run by Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde do Porto at 1 site in Portugal.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 11 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: status not confirmed, as of the sponsor's last update on 2 Apr 2024. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in Portugal. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

Results are not available in the source record.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Natália MO Campelo, PhD (938674365 ext. +351, ncampelo.estsp.ipp.pt@gmail.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Change from Baseline in heart rate variability immediately after the intervention (time frame: Immediately after the intervention.). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT04391777, which also lists 7 linked publications.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 2 Apr 2024.

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