Legasthenia and Osteopathy
Can the performance of dyslectic children
be improved by osteopathic treatments?
Дислексия и остеопатия
Может ли остеопатия помочь в лечении детей с дислексией?
Автор: Philip van Haentjens
Тип публикации: Тезис/Диссертация
Институт: Wiener Schule f?r Osteopathie
Дата: 2007 March, 01
Язык: English
Abstract
The study examined the question of whether osteopathic treatment improves legasthenic conditions in children aged 6 to 14. The computerised tests were given by a registered legasthenia trainer, whereas I performed the osteopathic treatments myself. The result shows that they yielded changes on various levels which the parents noted, including schooling (study times, concentration), spiritual performance (improved calmness and ability to relax) and physical improvements (better posture and coordination skills), while the test and statistic results point to the conclusion that the test and treatments given had no influence on legasthenic disturbance.
Design:
In order to observe any changes in legasthenic disturbances, the participants were tested twice prior to treatment, twice after the first treatment and twice after the second treatment. Six tests and two osteopathic treatments were given (TTtTTtTT). The control group was only tested 6 times (TT TT TT ). The entire test and treatment cycle extended over eight weeks. The legasthenic trainer performing the tests did not know how the children were divided into a test group and a control group.
Method:
Randomised controlled trial with repeated measure design.
Intervention:
I administered osteopathic treatment twice to the participating children. The treatments were comprised of techniques of structural, visceral, cranio-sacral and biodynamic osteopathy. All lesions found on the levels mentioned were treated. Dysfunctions in the pelvic area (especially the os sacrum) were found with particular frequency, and at the upper ribs (especially costae 1); dysfunctions in the upper neck vertebrae were detected as well.
Measuring method:
The legasthenia trainer tested the study persons according to the random-sample principle (she did not know which children belonged to the control or the test group) using a computerised AFS (Attention/Function/Symptom) test form the Austrian Legasthenia Umbrella Organisation (ADA – Austrian Dyslexia Association). The test examined attention easy enough for the children to cope with, as well as optical, acoustical and coordinative parameters. The system operates with a random generator; thus no learning effect was anticipated. The children were tested six times in eight weeks; there were no tests in Weeks 3 and 6 (“treatment weeks”). Similarly, there were no tests in Weeks 3 and 6 for the control group (no osteopathic treatment; instead, a “waiting list” and treatment after the sixth test).
Results:
Statistical assessment revealed no proof of significant changes attributable to osteopathic treatment.
Conclusion:
Although statistical assessment showed no improvement of the dyslectic symptoms, some of the parents declared that they had the impression that there was visible improvement and/or alleviation in the schooling area. In this context, re-testing the children after six months and a year would be extremely interesting, if only to determine whether a long-term effect ensued from the treatment. Regular treatment over a long period of time would also be desirable, accompanied by tests; however, the factor of time-consumption and above all the cost (especially that of the AFS test) make it seem unlikely that that will be workable for an individual therapist.
Содержание
1 Introduction 4
1.1. Discovering Possible Correlations 4
1.2. The Importance of Treating Dyslectic Conditions 5
1.3. Definition of Dyslexia / Legasthenia 6
1.4 Osteopathy’s Options and Chances 7
2. Fundamentals 8
2.1. Causes of Legasthenia 8
2.2. Prerequisites for Normal Learning Achievements 13
2.3. Test Options 15
2.4. Therapy Options To Date 17
2.5. The Importance of Osteopathic Treatment 18
3. Methods 19
3.1. Explanation of the AFS Test 19
3.2. Explanation of the Osteopathic Approach 26
3.3. Criteria for Inclusion and Preclusion 31
4. Results 32
4.1. AFS Measuring Results 32
Description of random samples 32
Initial Values 34
Changes 37
4.2. Subjective parental experiences 50
5. Discussion 51
5.1. Limits of the AFS Test 51
5.2. Problem of Osteopathic Treatment Times 64
5.3. Self-Critique 65
6. Summary 66
7. Bibliography 68
ASF Test Sheets
(viewable on CD at the Vienna School of Osteopathy,
Frimbergergasse 6, 1130 Vienna)
69 стр., pdf, 2.6 mb
http://www.osteopathic-research.com/paper_pdf/vanHaentjens..pdf