Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) Effects on Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) DynamicsNCT07629765
Exploring How Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment May Affect Spinal Fluid Flow: An MRI Study
A study testing Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) in people with Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) Effects on Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Dynamics, run by Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
his study aims to investigate whether Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) affects cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow and glymphatic clearance in the human brain. CSF plays an important role in brain health by supporting nutrient delivery, waste removal, and pressure regulation. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 80 yearsHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) Effects on Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Dynamics
- What is being tested?
- Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 30 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- Jun 2026to Aug 2027
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
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 80 years
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Healthy adults between 18 and 80 years of age
- Able and willing to provide informed consent
- Able to safely undergo MRI procedures
- Able to participate in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT)
Who cannot join
- History of severe traumatic brain injury
- Fibromyalgia
- Epilepsy
- Severe neurodegenerative disorders
- Brain tumor or brain metastasis
- Stroke or cerebrovascular disease
Show all 21Show fewer
- Hydrocephalus
- Brain malformations
- Demyelinating disorders
- Congenital abnormalities affecting cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow
- Spinal stenosis
- Prior brain surgery
- Chiari malformation
- Syringomyelia
- Other spinal conditions that may disrupt CSF flow
- Manual therapy within the previous 2 weeks
- Use of medications that affect CSF flow and/or production (including carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, furosemide, thiopental, desflurane, halothane, ketamine, etc.)
- Uncontrolled hypertension
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- MRI contraindications, including implanted metallic/electronic devices or -severe claustrophobia
- Pregnancy
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
United States1 site
Auburn University MRI Research Center
Auburn, Alabama, 36832
Adil Bashir, PhD, 334-844-1816, azb0117@auburn.edu
About this study
Official title: Exploring the Impact of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on CSF Dynamics: A Mechanistic MRI-Based Investigation
his study aims to investigate whether Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) affects cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow and glymphatic clearance in the human brain. CSF plays an important role in brain health by supporting nutrient delivery, waste removal, and pressure regulation. Aging and certain neurological conditions are associated with reduced CSF circulation and impaired brain waste clearance.
Participants will undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans before and after a 30-minute OMT session to evaluate changes in CSF flow dynamics and brain physiology. The study will also examine whether age, cognition, sleep quality, physical function, anxiety, and depression are associated with changes in CSF flow following OMT.
The study will enroll healthy adults between 18 and 80 years of age. Data collected from MRI imaging and questionnaires may help improve understanding of the physiological effects of OMT and its potential role in supporting brain health
Read the detailed description
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is essential for normal central nervous system function, contributing to nutrient transport, waste clearance, and regulation of intracranial pressure. Aging is associated with reductions in CSF production, impaired glymphatic clearance, and altered CSF flow dynamics, which may contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease processes. Although osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) has been proposed to influence fluid dynamics, circulation, autonomic balance, and tissue mobility, the physiological effects of OMT on CSF flow in humans remain poorly understood.
This pilot study will investigate whether OMT alters CSF dynamics and glymphatic-related imaging biomarkers in healthy adults. Thirty healthy participants will be enrolled, including individuals between 18-49 years of age and 50-80 years of age. Participants will complete MRI imaging sessions before and after a standardized 30-minute OMT session.
MRI assessments will include structural brain imaging, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and phase contrast MRI techniques to evaluate CSF flow, glymphatic-related diffusion metrics, and brain structural characteristics. Participants will also complete questionnaires assessing cognitive function, physical function, sleep quality, anxiety, and depression.
The study aims to:
- Determine whether CSF flow differs with aging.
- Determine whether OMT modulates CSF flow dynamics.
- Examine relationships between imaging findings and participant-reported cognitive, physical, sleep, and psychological measures.
The results of this study may improve understanding of the mechanistic effects of OMT on brain physiology and provide preliminary data for future studies evaluating OMT-related interventions targeting neurophysiological health.
- Being tested
- Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)
- Keywords
- Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, Cerebrospinal Fluid, CSF Dynamics, Brain MRI, Glymphatic System, Aging Brain, Healthy Adults, Manual Therapy
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)Other
This intervention consists of a single 30-minute osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) session administered by a licensed osteopathic physician trained in neuromusculoskeletal and osteopathic manipulative medicine. Treatment will be individualized based on findings from an osteopathic structural examination assessing somatic dysfunctions involving the head, spine, pelvis, extremities, and myofascial structures. Standardized OMT techniques may include osteopathic cranial manipulative medicine (OCMM), indirect method (IM), articulatory technique (ART), muscle energy technique (MET), facilitated positional release (FPR), tender point high-velocity low-amplitude (TP-HVLA), and myofascial release (MFR). The intervention is performed between pre- and post-treatment MRI sessions to evaluate acute changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics and glymphatic-related imaging biomarkers.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| OMT Intervention with Pre- and Post-MRI Assessment | Experimental | Participants will undergo baseline MRI imaging followed by a 30-minute osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) session performed by a licensed osteopathic physician. OMT techniques may include osteopathic cranial manipulative medicine (OCMM), indirect method (IM), articulatory technique (ART), muscle energy technique (MET), facilitated positional release (FPR), tender point high-velocity low-amplitude (TP-HVLA), and myofascial release (MFR), selected based on identified somatic dysfunctions and participant tolerance. Following treatment, participants will undergo repeat MRI imaging to assess changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics and glymphatic-related imaging measures. Receives: Other: Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Change in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Velocity Following OMT
CSF aqueductal peak and average velocity measured using phase contrast MRI before and after osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
Measured: Immediately before and immediately after the single OMT session during the study visit.
Change in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Flow Volume Dynamics Following OMT
CSF forward and reverse flow volumes, net forward flow, and stroke volume measured using phase contrast MRI before and after osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
Measured: Immediately before and immediately after the single OMT session during the study visit.
Secondary outcomes (2)
Changes in the Diffusion Tensor Imaging Analysis along the Perivascular Space (DTI-ALPS) index
An MRI diffusion tensor imaging-based physiological measure of perivascular water diffusivity, measured before and after OMT. The DTI-ALPS assessment quantifies directional water diffusivity within white matter tracts to evaluate fluid movement along perivascular spaces.
Measured: Immediately before and immediately after the single OMT session during the study visit.
Correlation Between MRI-Derived CSF Flow, Velocity, and DTI-ALPS Metrics and Cognitive Function Outcomes Using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Cognitive Function Short Form and PROMIS Cognitive Abilities Short Form
Association between changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow and velocity metrics measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and changes in the Diffusion Tensor Imaging Analysis along the Perivascular Space (DTI-ALPS) index measured using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) (units: quantitative CSF flow parameters, CSF velocity measures, and ALPS index ratio) and participant-reported cognitive function measured using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Cognitive Function Short Form and PROMIS Cognitive Abilities Short Form (unit: PROMIS T-scores; range typically 0-100, standardized mean = 50, SD = 10; higher scores indicate better cognitive function and cognitive abilities).
Measured: Questionnaires completed during the study visit prior to imaging procedures.
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted5 Jun 2026
- Study startJun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completionJun 2027 (estimated)
- Study completionAug 2027 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (10)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) Effects on Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) DynamicsStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
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
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Auburn University
- Responsible party
- Sponsor
- Investigators
- Daniel Cawley, DC, MS, MSHS, Principal investigator, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07629765
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- STUDY00001182
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 21 May 2026
- Last updated
- 5 Jun 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- Yes: De-identified individual participant data underlying the results reported in publications, including MRI-derived imaging measures and questionnaire data, may be shared with qualified researchers upon reasonable request following publication of the primary study results. Data sharing will require approval by the principal investigator and execution of appropriate data use agreements to protect participant confidentiality.
Publications
Stoquart-ElSankari S, Baledent O, Gondry-Jouet C, Makki M, Godefroy O, Meyer ME. Aging effects on cerebral blood and cerebrospinal fluid flows. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2007 Sep;27(9):1563-72. doi: 10.1038/sj.jcbfm.9600462. Epub 2007 Feb 21.
PubMed 17311079Markenroth Bloch K, Toger J, Stahlberg F. Investigation of cerebrospinal fluid flow in the cerebral aqueduct using high-resolution phase contrast measurements at 7T MRI. Acta Radiol. 2018 Aug;59(8):988-996. doi: 10.1177/0284185117740762. Epub 2017 Nov 15.
PubMed 29141450Tamburella F, Piras F, Piras F, Spano B, Tramontano M, Gili T. Cerebral Perfusion Changes After Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: A Randomized Manual Placebo-Controlled Trial. Front Physiol. 2019 Apr 5;10:403. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00403. eCollection 2019.
PubMed 31024346Kashyap S, Brazdzionis J, Savla P, Berry JA, Farr S, Patchana T, Majeed G, Ghanchi H, Bowen I, Wacker MR, Miulli DE. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment to Optimize the Glymphatic Environment in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Measured With Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter, Intracranial Pressure Monitoring, and Neurological Pupil Index. Cureus. 2021 Mar 11;13(3):e13823. doi: 10.7759/cureus.13823.
PubMed 33859888Hitscherich K, Smith K, Cuoco JA, Ruvolo KE, Mancini JD, Leheste JR, Torres G. The Glymphatic-Lymphatic Continuum: Opportunities for Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2016 Mar;116(3):170-7. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2016.033.
PubMed 26927910Attier-Zmudka J, Serot JM, Valluy J, Saffarini M, Macaret AS, Diouf M, Dao S, Douadi Y, Malinowski KP, Baledent O. Decreased Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow Is Associated With Cognitive Deficit in Elderly Patients. Front Aging Neurosci. 2019 Apr 30;11:87. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00087. eCollection 2019.
PubMed 31114494Mestre H, Tithof J, Du T, Song W, Peng W, Sweeney AM, Olveda G, Thomas JH, Nedergaard M, Kelley DH. Flow of cerebrospinal fluid is driven by arterial pulsations and is reduced in hypertension. Nat Commun. 2018 Nov 19;9(1):4878. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-07318-3.
PubMed 30451853Benveniste H, Lee H, Volkow ND. The Glymphatic Pathway: Waste Removal from the CNS via Cerebrospinal Fluid Transport. Neuroscientist. 2017 Oct;23(5):454-465. doi: 10.1177/1073858417691030. Epub 2017 Feb 2.
PubMed 28466758Mestre H, Mori Y, Nedergaard M. The Brain's Glymphatic System: Current Controversies. Trends Neurosci. 2020 Jul;43(7):458-466. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.04.003. Epub 2020 May 15.
PubMed 32423764Iliff JJ, Wang M, Liao Y, Plogg BA, Peng W, Gundersen GA, Benveniste H, Vates GE, Deane R, Goldman SA, Nagelhus EA, Nedergaard M. A paravascular pathway facilitates CSF flow through the brain parenchyma and the clearance of interstitial solutes, including amyloid beta. Sci Transl Med. 2012 Aug 15;4(147):147ra111. doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3003748.
PubMed 22896675
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 5 Jun 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Exploring the Impact of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment on CSF Dynamics: A Mechanistic MRI-Based Investigation
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07629765
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- STUDY00001182
- Keywords
- Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment, Cerebrospinal Fluid, CSF Dynamics, Brain MRI, Glymphatic System, Aging Brain, Healthy Adults, Manual Therapy
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 30 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic MedicineUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Auburn University
- Study start
- Jun 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- Jun 2027 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Aug 2027 (estimated)
- First posted
- 5 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
his study aims to investigate whether Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) affects cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow and glymphatic clearance in the human brain. CSF plays an important role in brain health by supporting nutrient delivery, waste removal, and pressure regulation. Aging and certain neurological conditions are associated with reduced CSF circulation and impaired brain waste clearance.
Participants will undergo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans before and after a 30-minute OMT session to evaluate changes in CSF flow dynamics and brain physiology. The study will also examine whether age, cognition, sleep quality, physical function, anxiety, and depression are associated with changes in CSF flow following OMT.
The study will enroll healthy adults between 18 and 80 years of age. Data collected from MRI imaging and questionnaires may help improve understanding of the physiological effects of OMT and its potential role in supporting brain health
Detailed description
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is essential for normal central nervous system function, contributing to nutrient transport, waste clearance, and regulation of intracranial pressure. Aging is associated with reductions in CSF production, impaired glymphatic clearance, and altered CSF flow dynamics, which may contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegenerative disease processes. Although osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) has been proposed to influence fluid dynamics, circulation, autonomic balance, and tissue mobility, the physiological effects of OMT on CSF flow in humans remain poorly understood.
This pilot study will investigate whether OMT alters CSF dynamics and glymphatic-related imaging biomarkers in healthy adults. Thirty healthy participants will be enrolled, including individuals between 18-49 years of age and 50-80 years of age. Participants will complete MRI imaging sessions before and after a standardized 30-minute OMT session.
MRI assessments will include structural brain imaging, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and phase contrast MRI techniques to evaluate CSF flow, glymphatic-related diffusion metrics, and brain structural characteristics. Participants will also complete questionnaires assessing cognitive function, physical function, sleep quality, anxiety, and depression.
The study aims to:
- Determine whether CSF flow differs with aging.
- Determine whether OMT modulates CSF flow dynamics.
- Examine relationships between imaging findings and participant-reported cognitive, physical, sleep, and psychological measures.
The results of this study may improve understanding of the mechanistic effects of OMT on brain physiology and provide preliminary data for future studies evaluating OMT-related interventions targeting neurophysiological health.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Not applicable
- Intervention model
- Single group
- Masking
- None (open label)
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| OMT Intervention with Pre- and Post-MRI Assessment | Experimental | Other: Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)Participants will undergo baseline MRI imaging followed by a 30-minute osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) session performed by a licensed osteopathic physician. OMT techniques may include osteopathic cranial manipulative medicine (OCMM), indirect method (IM), articulatory technique (ART), muscle energy technique (MET), facilitated positional release (FPR), tender point high-velocity low-amplitude (TP-HVLA), and myofascial release (MFR), selected based on identified somatic dysfunctions and participant tolerance. Following treatment, participants will undergo repeat MRI imaging to assess changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow dynamics and glymphatic-related imaging measures. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 80 years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Healthy adults between 18 and 80 years of age
- Able and willing to provide informed consent
- Able to safely undergo MRI procedures
- Able to participate in osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT)
Key exclusion criteria (21 listed)
- History of severe traumatic brain injury
- Fibromyalgia
- Epilepsy
- Severe neurodegenerative disorders
- Brain tumor or brain metastasis
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT)This intervention consists of a single 30-minute osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) session administered by a licensed osteopathic physician trained in neuromusculoskeletal and osteopathic manipulative medicine. Treatment will be individualized based on findings from an osteopathic structural examination assessing somatic dysfunctions involving the head, spine, pelvis, extremities, and myofascial structures. Standardized OMT techniques may include osteopathic cranial manipulative medicine (OCMM), indirect method (IM), articulatory technique (ART), muscle energy technique (MET), facilitated positional release (FPR), tender point high-velocity low-amplitude (TP-HVLA), and myofascial release (MFR). The intervention is performed between pre- and post-treatment MRI sessions to evaluate acute changes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics and glymphatic-related imaging biomarkers. | Other | OMT Intervention with Pre- and Post-MRI Assessment |
Primary outcome
Change in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Velocity Following OMT
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after the single OMT session during the study visit.
CSF aqueductal peak and average velocity measured using phase contrast MRI before and after osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
Change in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Flow Volume Dynamics Following OMT
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after the single OMT session during the study visit.
CSF forward and reverse flow volumes, net forward flow, and stroke volume measured using phase contrast MRI before and after osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).
2 secondary outcomes
Changes in the Diffusion Tensor Imaging Analysis along the Perivascular Space (DTI-ALPS) index
Time frame: Immediately before and immediately after the single OMT session during the study visit.
Correlation Between MRI-Derived CSF Flow, Velocity, and DTI-ALPS Metrics and Cognitive Function Outcomes Using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Cognitive Function Short Form and PROMIS Cognitive Abilities Short Form
Time frame: Questionnaires completed during the study visit prior to imaging procedures.
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 5 Jun 2026.
- Background: PubMed 17311079Stoquart-ElSankari S, Baledent O, Gondry-Jouet C, Makki M, Godefroy O, Meyer ME. Aging effects on cerebral blood and cerebrospinal fluid flows. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab. 2007 Sep;27(9):1563-72. doi: 10.1038/sj.jcbfm.9600462. Epub 2007 Feb 21.
- Background: PubMed 29141450Markenroth Bloch K, Toger J, Stahlberg F. Investigation of cerebrospinal fluid flow in the cerebral aqueduct using high-resolution phase contrast measurements at 7T MRI. Acta Radiol. 2018 Aug;59(8):988-996. doi: 10.1177/0284185117740762. Epub 2017 Nov 15.
- Background: PubMed 31024346Tamburella F, Piras F, Piras F, Spano B, Tramontano M, Gili T. Cerebral Perfusion Changes After Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment: A Randomized Manual Placebo-Controlled Trial. Front Physiol. 2019 Apr 5;10:403. doi: 10.3389/fphys.2019.00403. eCollection 2019.
- Background: PubMed 33859888Kashyap S, Brazdzionis J, Savla P, Berry JA, Farr S, Patchana T, Majeed G, Ghanchi H, Bowen I, Wacker MR, Miulli DE. Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment to Optimize the Glymphatic Environment in Severe Traumatic Brain Injury Measured With Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter, Intracranial Pressure Monitoring, and Neurological Pupil Index. Cureus. 2021 Mar 11;13(3):e13823. doi: 10.7759/cureus.13823.
- Background: PubMed 26927910Hitscherich K, Smith K, Cuoco JA, Ruvolo KE, Mancini JD, Leheste JR, Torres G. The Glymphatic-Lymphatic Continuum: Opportunities for Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2016 Mar;116(3):170-7. doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2016.033.
- Background: PubMed 31114494Attier-Zmudka J, Serot JM, Valluy J, Saffarini M, Macaret AS, Diouf M, Dao S, Douadi Y, Malinowski KP, Baledent O. Decreased Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow Is Associated With Cognitive Deficit in Elderly Patients. Front Aging Neurosci. 2019 Apr 30;11:87. doi: 10.3389/fnagi.2019.00087. eCollection 2019.
- Background: PubMed 30451853Mestre H, Tithof J, Du T, Song W, Peng W, Sweeney AM, Olveda G, Thomas JH, Nedergaard M, Kelley DH. Flow of cerebrospinal fluid is driven by arterial pulsations and is reduced in hypertension. Nat Commun. 2018 Nov 19;9(1):4878. doi: 10.1038/s41467-018-07318-3.
- Background: PubMed 28466758Benveniste H, Lee H, Volkow ND. The Glymphatic Pathway: Waste Removal from the CNS via Cerebrospinal Fluid Transport. Neuroscientist. 2017 Oct;23(5):454-465. doi: 10.1177/1073858417691030. Epub 2017 Feb 2.
- Background: PubMed 32423764Mestre H, Mori Y, Nedergaard M. The Brain's Glymphatic System: Current Controversies. Trends Neurosci. 2020 Jul;43(7):458-466. doi: 10.1016/j.tins.2020.04.003. Epub 2020 May 15.
- Background: PubMed 22896675Iliff JJ, Wang M, Liao Y, Plogg BA, Peng W, Gundersen GA, Benveniste H, Vates GE, Deane R, Goldman SA, Nagelhus EA, Nedergaard M. A paravascular pathway facilitates CSF flow through the brain parenchyma and the clearance of interstitial solutes, including amyloid beta. Sci Transl Med. 2012 Aug 15;4(147):147ra111. doi: 10.1126/scitranslmed.3003748.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: Yes. De-identified individual participant data underlying the results reported in publications, including MRI-derived imaging measures and questionnaire data, may be shared with qualified researchers upon reasonable request following publication of the primary study results. Data sharing will require approval by the principal investigator and execution of appropriate data use agreements to protect participant confidentiality.
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Daniel Cawley, DC, MS, MSHS principal investigator
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) in people with Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment (OMT) Effects on Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Dynamics, run by Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine at 1 site in United States.
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 4 inclusion and 21 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: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 5 Jun 2026. 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 United States. 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. 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?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Daniel Cawley, DC, MS, MSHS (706-442-4105, dcawley@vcom.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Change in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Velocity Following OMT (time frame: Immediately before and immediately after the single OMT session during the study visit.). 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 NCT07629765, which also lists 10 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 5 Jun 2026.