Introduction:

Somatic dysfunction (SD) is the basis for osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT). SD is found through palpatory physical assessment and represents a degree of strain on the homeostatic system of the body. This study investigates the relationship between SD and physical activity (PA) level as well as perceived stress level (POMS).

Methods:

This observational cohort study collected Somatic Dysfunction Scale (SDS) scores together with a score from a perceived stress questionnaire, the Profile of Mood States (POMS), and an activity level assessed with via a physical activity (PA) questionnaire. Data was collected on three separate days, approximately 6 weeks apart. Questionnaires were administered and collected initially, then SDS scores were assessed independently by two examiners that were blinded from each other and from the questionnaire data.

Results:

There was no significant relationship between SD and POMS or PA. There was a possible significant inverse relationship between the TMD from the POMS and a moderate level of PA with a negative Spearman rank correlation (-.194) and p = 0.089. There was a statistically significant correlation between examiners’ SDS scores.

Conclusion:

Stand-alone SDS values may not be a useful measure to correlate with stress levels and activity levels. However, SDS values may be used to assess the longitudinal response to interventions such as OMT.

Somatic Dysfunction, OMT, osteopathic medicine, physical activity, stress level
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