HealthyNCT07691112
Prevalence of Chapman Reflex Points in Medical Students and Their Association With Visceral Symptoms
An observational study of Healthy and Autonomic Nervous System Diseases, run by The Touro College and University System at 1 site in United States.
Trial summary
Chapman Reflex Points (CRPs) are small palpable nodules found within connective tissue that have traditionally been associated with dysfunction of internal organs and the autonomic nervous system. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and olderHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Healthy, Autonomic Nervous System Diseases, Lymphatic Diseases
- What is being tested?
- Chapman Reflex Point Examination
- Type of treatment
- Surgery or procedure
- How many people
- 101 participants
- Where
- 1 siteUnited States
- Study dates
- 4 Mar 2020to 27 Jun 2026
- Phase
- Observational
- 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 years and older
- All sexes
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult, Older adult
Study population: Young adult volunteers recruited from an osteopathic medical school community participated in this cross-sectional observational study. Participants completed a standardized questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, medical history, lifestyle factors, and recent or recurrent visceral symptoms, followed by a blinded palpatory examination of established Chapman Reflex Point locations performed by a trained investigator. A total of 101 participants were enrolled, with a mean age of 27 years.
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 18 years or older.
- Ability to understand the study procedures and provide informed consent.
- Willingness to complete a standardized health questionnaire.
- Willingness to undergo a blinded palpatory examination of established Chapman Reflex Point locations.
Who cannot join
- Individuals younger than 18 years of age.
- Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent.
- Inability or unwillingness to complete the health questionnaire.
- Inability or unwillingness to undergo the palpatory examination.
- Pregnancy.
- Incomplete study data or questionnaire responses.
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country.
United States1 site
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - Harlem
New York, New York, 10027
About this study
Chapman Reflex Points (CRPs) are small palpable nodules found within connective tissue that have traditionally been associated with dysfunction of internal organs and the autonomic nervous system. However, little is known about how commonly these findings occur in healthy individuals or whether they are associated with symptoms experienced by otherwise healthy people.
The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of Chapman Reflex Points in young healthy adults and to evaluate whether the presence and distribution of these points are associated with self-reported visceral symptoms. Participants complete a standardized health questionnaire regarding recent and recurrent symptoms and undergo a blinded physical examination of established Chapman Reflex Point locations performed by a trained investigator. The results of this study may improve understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying Chapman Reflex Points and help clarify their potential role in preventive osteopathic assessment and early identification of altered autonomic, lymphatic, fascial, or neuroendocrine function.
Read the detailed description
Chapman Reflex Points (CRPs) are discrete palpable nodules located within deep fascial tissues that have historically been interpreted as viscerosomatic reflex manifestations associated with dysfunction of specific internal organs. Traditional osteopathic models suggest that CRPs develop secondary to altered autonomic activity and lymphatic dysfunction resulting from visceral pathology. More recent mechanobiological investigations have proposed that fascial contractility mediated by myofibroblasts, sympathetic regulation of lymphatic vessel function, connective tissue remodeling, and neuroendocrine influences may contribute to the formation and persistence of these palpable findings.
Despite their longstanding use in osteopathic diagnosis and treatment, there is limited evidence regarding the prevalence of CRPs in healthy individuals, and relatively few studies have investigated whether the presence of CRPs correlates with self-reported visceral symptoms in populations without significant underlying disease. Improved characterization of CRP prevalence and symptom associations may provide insight into whether these findings represent markers of overt pathology, subclinical physiological modulation, or normal biological variation.
This study was designed as a cross-sectional observational investigation to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of CRPs in a young adult population and to explore potential relationships between CRP findings and participant-reported visceral symptoms. Participants completed a standardized health questionnaire designed to assess demographic characteristics, medical history, lifestyle factors, and recent or recurrent symptoms across multiple organ systems. Following questionnaire completion, participants underwent a systematic palpatory examination of established Chapman Reflex Point locations performed by a single trained investigator who was blinded to questionnaire responses. Consistent palpatory techniques, including standardized pressure application and examination duration, were utilized to improve examination reproducibility.
Participant data were recorded using anonymized study identification numbers to maintain confidentiality. Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel and STATA software. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize participant demographics and CRP prevalence. Sex-based differences in total CRP counts were evaluated using Welch's two-sample t-test. Associations between individual Chapman Reflex Points and symptom clusters were assessed using stepwise regression analyses, while relationships between grouped CRPs and grouped visceral symptom scores were examined using bivariate linear regression techniques. Statistical significance was defined as a two-sided p-value of less than 0.05.
The findings from this study are intended to contribute to a contemporary understanding of Chapman Reflex Point physiology by integrating concepts related to autonomic regulation, lymphatic function, fascial mechanotransduction, and endocrine modulation. Further investigation may help clarify the potential utility of CRPs as markers of early physiological alterations and inform their role in preventive osteopathic assessment and individualized patient evaluation.
- Conditions
- Healthy, Autonomic Nervous System Diseases, Lymphatic Diseases, Somatic Dysfunction, Chapman Reflex Points
- Being tested
- Chapman Reflex Point Examination
- Keywords
- Chapman Reflex Points, Chapman Reflexes, Somatic Dysfunction, Viscerosomatic Reflexes, Osteopathic Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Fascial Tissue, Myofibroblasts, Lymphatic System, Lymphatic Physiology, Autonomic Nervous System, Sympathetic Nervous System, Neuroendocrine Regulation, Mechanotransduction, Connective Tissue, Palpatory Examination, Visceral Symptoms, Fascia, Preventive Medicine
- Medical subject headings
- Autonomic Nervous System Diseases, Lymphatic Diseases
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Chapman Reflex Point ExaminationProcedure or surgery
Also called Chapman Reflex Point Assessment, Palpatory Examination of Chapman Reflex Points
Participants underwent a standardized palpatory examination of established Chapman Reflex Point locations performed by a single trained investigator who was blinded to questionnaire responses. Consistent pressure application and examination duration were utilized to optimize reliability and reproducibility of palpatory findings. No therapeutic intervention, osteopathic manipulative treatment, medication administration, or other clinical intervention was provided as part of the study. Participants also completed a standardized health questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, medical history, lifestyle factors, and recent or recurrent visceral symptoms.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Young Adults | Participants were young adults who completed a standardized health questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, medical history, lifestyle factors, and recent or recurrent visceral symptoms. Participants subsequently underwent a blinded palpatory examination of established Chapman Reflex Point locations performed by a trained investigator. No therapeutic intervention was administered. The study evaluated the prevalence and distribution of Chapman Reflex Points and their associations with self-reported visceral symptom clusters. Receives: Procedure: Chapman Reflex Point Examination |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Prevalence of Chapman Reflex Points
The prevalence and distribution of Chapman Reflex Points identified during a standardized palpatory examination of established Chapman Reflex Point locations performed by a blinded trained investigator. The total number of Chapman Reflex Points observed per participant was recorded and summarized using descriptive statistics.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 1 year
Secondary outcomes (2)
Association Between Chapman Reflex Points and Visceral Symptom Clusters
Associations between organ system-specific Chapman Reflex Point counts and self-reported visceral symptom clusters were evaluated using stepwise regression analyses and bivariate linear regression models.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 1 year
Sex Differences in Chapman Reflex Point Prevalence
Differences in the total number of Chapman Reflex Points identified among male and female participants were assessed using Welch's two-sample t-test.
Measured: through study completion, an average of 1 year
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted8 Jul 2026
- Study start4 Mar 2020
- Primary completion26 Jun 2026
- Study completion27 Jun 2026
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Other trials for HealthyStudies 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
- Observational
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Enrolment
- 101 participants (actual)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- The Touro College and University System
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Mikhail Volokitin, MD, DO., The Touro College and University System
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07691112
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- HSIRB_2019
- Status last verified
- Jun 2026
- First submitted
- 30 Jun 2026
- Last updated
- 8 Jul 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 8 Jul 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- Prevalence of Chapman Reflex Points in Medical Students and Their Association With Visceral Symptoms
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07691112
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- HSIRB_2019
- Conditions
- Healthy, Autonomic Nervous System Diseases, Lymphatic Diseases, Somatic Dysfunction, Chapman Reflex Points
- Keywords
- Chapman Reflex Points, Chapman Reflexes, Somatic Dysfunction, Viscerosomatic Reflexes, Osteopathic Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Fascial Tissue, Myofibroblasts
- Study type
- Observational
- Recruitment status
- Completed
- Enrolment
- 101 participants (actual)
- Lead sponsor
- The Touro College and University SystemUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 4 Mar 2020 (actual)
- Primary completion
- 26 Jun 2026 (actual)
- Study completion
- 27 Jun 2026 (actual)
- First posted
- 8 Jul 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.
Chapman Reflex Points (CRPs) are small palpable nodules found within connective tissue that have traditionally been associated with dysfunction of internal organs and the autonomic nervous system. However, little is known about how commonly these findings occur in healthy individuals or whether they are associated with symptoms experienced by otherwise healthy people.
The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of Chapman Reflex Points in young healthy adults and to evaluate whether the presence and distribution of these points are associated with self-reported visceral symptoms. Participants complete a standardized health questionnaire regarding recent and recurrent symptoms and undergo a blinded physical examination of established Chapman Reflex Point locations performed by a trained investigator. The results of this study may improve understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying Chapman Reflex Points and help clarify their potential role in preventive osteopathic assessment and early identification of altered autonomic, lymphatic, fascial, or neuroendocrine function.
Detailed description
Chapman Reflex Points (CRPs) are discrete palpable nodules located within deep fascial tissues that have historically been interpreted as viscerosomatic reflex manifestations associated with dysfunction of specific internal organs. Traditional osteopathic models suggest that CRPs develop secondary to altered autonomic activity and lymphatic dysfunction resulting from visceral pathology. More recent mechanobiological investigations have proposed that fascial contractility mediated by myofibroblasts, sympathetic regulation of lymphatic vessel function, connective tissue remodeling, and neuroendocrine influences may contribute to the formation and persistence of these palpable findings.
Despite their longstanding use in osteopathic diagnosis and treatment, there is limited evidence regarding the prevalence of CRPs in healthy individuals, and relatively few studies have investigated whether the presence of CRPs correlates with self-reported visceral symptoms in populations without significant underlying disease. Improved characterization of CRP prevalence and symptom associations may provide insight into whether these findings represent markers of overt pathology, subclinical physiological modulation, or normal biological variation.
This study was designed as a cross-sectional observational investigation to evaluate the prevalence and distribution of CRPs in a young adult population and to explore potential relationships between CRP findings and participant-reported visceral symptoms. Participants completed a standardized health questionnaire designed to assess demographic characteristics, medical history, lifestyle factors, and recent or recurrent symptoms across multiple organ systems. Following questionnaire completion, participants underwent a systematic palpatory examination of established Chapman Reflex Point locations performed by a single trained investigator who was blinded to questionnaire responses. Consistent palpatory techniques, including standardized pressure application and examination duration, were utilized to improve examination reproducibility.
Participant data were recorded using anonymized study identification numbers to maintain confidentiality. Statistical analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel and STATA software. Descriptive statistics were used to characterize participant demographics and CRP prevalence. Sex-based differences in total CRP counts were evaluated using Welch's two-sample t-test. Associations between individual Chapman Reflex Points and symptom clusters were assessed using stepwise regression analyses, while relationships between grouped CRPs and grouped visceral symptom scores were examined using bivariate linear regression techniques. Statistical significance was defined as a two-sided p-value of less than 0.05.
The findings from this study are intended to contribute to a contemporary understanding of Chapman Reflex Point physiology by integrating concepts related to autonomic regulation, lymphatic function, fascial mechanotransduction, and endocrine modulation. Further investigation may help clarify the potential utility of CRPs as markers of early physiological alterations and inform their role in preventive osteopathic assessment and individualized patient evaluation.
Study design
- Observational model
- Other
- Time perspective
- Cross-sectional
- Number of arms
- 1
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Healthy Young Adults | – | Procedure: Chapman Reflex Point ExaminationParticipants were young adults who completed a standardized health questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, medical history, lifestyle factors, and recent or recurrent visceral symptoms. Participants subsequently underwent a blinded palpatory examination of established Chapman Reflex Point locations performed by a trained investigator. No therapeutic intervention was administered. The study evaluated the prevalence and distribution of Chapman Reflex Points and their associations with self-reported visceral symptom clusters. |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
- Study population
- Young adult volunteers recruited from an osteopathic medical school community participated in this cross-sectional observational study. Participants completed a standardized questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, medical history, lifestyle factors, and recent or recurrent visceral symptoms, followed by a blinded palpatory examination of established Chapman Reflex Point locations performed by a trained investigator. A total of 101 participants were enrolled, with a mean age of 27 years.
Key inclusion criteria (4 listed)
- Adults aged 18 years or older.
- Ability to understand the study procedures and provide informed consent.
- Willingness to complete a standardized health questionnaire.
- Willingness to undergo a blinded palpatory examination of established Chapman Reflex Point locations.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Individuals younger than 18 years of age.
- Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent.
- Inability or unwillingness to complete the health questionnaire.
- Inability or unwillingness to undergo the palpatory examination.
- Pregnancy.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Chapman Reflex Point ExaminationAlso: Chapman Reflex Point Assessment, Palpatory Examination of Chapman Reflex PointsParticipants underwent a standardized palpatory examination of established Chapman Reflex Point locations performed by a single trained investigator who was blinded to questionnaire responses. Consistent pressure application and examination duration were utilized to optimize reliability and reproducibility of palpatory findings. No therapeutic intervention, osteopathic manipulative treatment, medication administration, or other clinical intervention was provided as part of the study. Participants also completed a standardized health questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, medical history, lifestyle factors, and recent or recurrent visceral symptoms. | Procedure or surgery | Healthy Young Adults |
Primary outcome
Prevalence of Chapman Reflex Points
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 1 year
The prevalence and distribution of Chapman Reflex Points identified during a standardized palpatory examination of established Chapman Reflex Point locations performed by a blinded trained investigator. The total number of Chapman Reflex Points observed per participant was recorded and summarized using descriptive statistics.
2 secondary outcomes
Association Between Chapman Reflex Points and Visceral Symptom Clusters
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 1 year
Sex Differences in Chapman Reflex Point Prevalence
Time frame: through study completion, an average of 1 year
Results and safety
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 8 Jul 2026.
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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. This study is not recruiting at the moment.
The record lists no contact. Use the official record to reach the sponsor.
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
An observational study of Healthy and Autonomic Nervous System Diseases, run by The Touro College and University System 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 6 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: finished, as of the sponsor's last update on 8 Jul 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?
The study is completed, but results are not available in the source record. That does not mean the treatment did or did not work.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
The record lists no contact. The official record names the sponsor, who can be asked directly. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Prevalence of Chapman Reflex Points (time frame: through study completion, an average of 1 year). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
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 8 Jul 2026.