Impact of osteopathic tests on heart rate and heart rate variability: an observational study on osteopathic students

This study found no evidence that osteopathic listening tests influence HR or HRV markers in healthy participants. Although listening tests serve as diagnostic tools for identifying somatic dysfunctions, they do not appear to exert therapeutic effects on ANS regulation. These findings contrast with previous studies on osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT), which have demonstrated significant modulation of ANS activity. Future studies should investigate the differential effects of diagnostic tests and therapeutic techniques to better define the scope of the osteopathic interventions.