Cranial osteopathic manipulation improves brain fluid flow and reduces inflammation
Official title: Cranial Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Enhances Brain Fluid Flow Alleviating Neuroinflammation
Funded at Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine · NIH-10945280 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gentle hands-on treatment called cranial osteopathic manipulative medicine might help improve brain fluid flow and reduce inflammation, which could make life better for people dealing with brain injuries or related issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Blacksburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $444,816 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AT012910-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10945280 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals recovering from traumatic brain injuries or those experiencing neuroinflammation-related symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-neurological conditions or those not experiencing any brain-related issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how cranial osteopathic manipulative medicine (cOMM) can enhance fluid flow in the brain and alleviate neuroinflammation. By applying gentle manual force to the head and spine, the treatment aims to release soft tissue restrictions, which may help clear inflammatory molecules associated with conditions like traumatic brain injury. The study will explore the effects of cOMM on the cholinergic system, which is crucial for cognitive function and neurological health. Patients may experience improved quality of life and reduced symptoms related to brain injuries and inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for managing neuroinflammation and improving recovery from brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While osteopathic manipulative medicine has been used for various conditions, the specific application of cranial manipulation for neuroinflammation is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Blacksburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brolinson, Per Gunnar — Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Study coordinator: Brolinson, Per Gunnar
Related research
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Cranial Osteopathic Care to Support Brain Health After Injury
A doctor-delivered head-and-neck technique may help improve brain fluid flow and reduce brain inflammation in people who have had an acquired brain injury.
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Gentle cranial osteopathic therapy to improve brain fluid flow and reduce inflammation
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Investigating a non-drug treatment for Alzheimer's disease
This study is looking at a gentle hands-on treatment called cranial osteopathic manipulation to see if it can help clear waste from the brain and improve memory and learning in people with Alzheimer's disease.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.