Osteopathic treatment approach in somatoform disorders through bifocal integration - a randomized controlled trial

INTERVENTION: Group 1: Osteopathic Treatment = Bifocal Integration The intervention group receives three structured treatments over a period of three weeks, i.e. one treatment per week. Each of the three treatment sessions lasts approximately 45 minutes. The intervention is carried out according to a 13‐step osteopathic treatment approach using bifocal integration (Liem and Neuhuber, 2020). The treatment starts with a relaxation exercise, which should strengthen a positive feeling. Then the focus is on the perception of the pain and this is amplified for a short time. Using different regulatory mechanisms, resources and individual, osteopathic techniques, the sensation is weakened again. The patient's condition is inquired about throughout the course. The aim of the treatment is to shift the focus away from the sensation of pain and towards a relaxed body feeling. Group 2: placebo treatment The control group is convened according to the same principle and receives a placebo treatment instead of the bifocal integration. Treatment will mimic the osteopathic approach and light non‐intended handrail placement on the upper and lower extremities. The patient is contacted on the thorax, spine, abdomen and pelvis. Each contact is held for about 6‐8 minutes. The placebo treatment will take approximately 45 minutes. The measurement and survey is identical to the intervention group. CONDITION: ; F45 Somatoform disorders PRIMARY OUTCOME: Test persons are asked about their well‐being by means of questionnaires. The physical symptoms are measured with the Public health questionnaire (PHQ‐15) and the quality of life with the Short Form health 36 (SF‐36) questionnaire.; Data collection takes place before and after the first treatment, after the third treatment and as a follow‐up, 3 months after the last treatment. SECONDARY OUTCOME: The activity of the autonomic nervous system is evaluated by measuring the heart rate variability. Data collection takes place before and after the first treatment, after the third treatment and as a follow‐up, 3 months after the last treatment. INCLUSION CRITERIA: ‐Age 18+ ‐Somatoform disorders, classified using the PHQ‐15 questionnaire (mild to severe somatization) ‐ Physical complaints for at least 4 weeks