Osteopathic manipulative treatment pilot

Purpose:

The aim of this research is to determine whether osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) combined with counselling provides more effective management of depressive symptoms in menopausal women when compared to counselling alone.

Who is required:

The study needs women who are:

Between 45- 60 years old
Experiencing symptoms associated with menopause (hot flushes, night sweats, etc)
Are experiencing changes in mood since the onset of the menopausal symptoms
Are still menstruating
Otherwise healthy

Nature of Research:

Participants will be randomly allocated to one of two groups. Half of the participants will be allocated to a group where they will receive nine counselling consultations over a five month period (8 consultations in eight weeks and a follow-up three months later.) The other half of participants will also be required to attend the counselling sessions as well as attend four OMT consultations within the first eight weeks. Participants will also be asked to complete questionnaires at four different times within the trial period.

All consultations are free of charge and will be conducted on the Bundoora Campus of RMIT University.

It is anticipated that between one to two hours, plus travel time, will be required each week of the trial.

How the information will be used:

The information collected will be used to add to the information regarding efficient and effective management of depressive symptoms. The information collected will be analysed to determine whether a statistically significant difference between the two forms of management of depressive symptoms is found. It will also be used within the thesis written for this research project and may be used within articles published in peer review journals.

All information gathered will be free of any identifying details to ensure the anonymity of participants is maintained. Any published information will be provided in such a way that no individual participant could be identified.

Who is conducting the trial:

The trial is being conducted by Dr Paula Henderson, Master of Osteopathy student. For more information contact Dr Paula Henderson on 03 9925 7221 or via email to: paula.henderson@rmit.edu.au

The research supervisors include:

Prof. Eleanor Holroyd, PhD Medical Anthropology (Sociology), Master of Applied Science, Postgrad Dip Midwifery, B. App. Sc Nursing, Dip Nursing
Dr Keong Yap, B.Soc.Sci (Hons), D.Psych, RMIT Psychology Clinic Supervisor.

Auspicing Institution and Ethics Approval:

RMIT University. The RMIT University Human Research Ethics Committee has approved this trial.