Pilot study on the influence of osteopathic manual therapy on cortisol and testosterone concentrations in horses

We hypothesized that osteopathic manipulation therapy (OMT) can regulate the activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axes, resulting in positive physiological and hormonal changes. This study investigated the effects of OMT on cortisol and testosterone concentrations in horses. Experimental longitudinal, randomized, controlled study. Healthy stallions from the same stable selected on the basis of their age, breed, weight, health, training level, and daily routines were divided into an OMT group (n = 19) and a control group receiving no therapy (n = 19). Horses in the OMT group underwent OMT, while those in the control group underwent regular handling, and horses in both groups underwent measurement of blood serum cortisol and testosterone concentrations and the testosterone/cortisol (T/C) ratio at three time points (before, after, and 1 h after the intervention) at 2-week intervals (0, 14, 28 days). The OMT group showed significant changes on day 14, with a 31.24% decrease in cortisol concentration, a 27.34% increase in testosterone concentration, and a 1.97% increase in the T/C ratio from the baseline levels ( P < 0.001). The results of this study provide insights into the potential of OMT as a non-pharmacological method for modulating endocrine function and improving overall health, stress, and pain management.