Initiating the development of an in vitro model to elucidate the therapeutic potential of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment

Authors

• Mahmoud Ajjaoui, Lincoln Memorial UniversityFollow
• Christopher Root, Lincoln Memorial UniversityFollow
• Alex Wiser, Lincoln Memorial UniversityFollow
• Michael Operti, Lincoln Memorial UniversityFollow
• Christian Greer, Lincoln Memorial UniversityFollow
• Debasis Mondal, Lincoln Memorial UniversityFollow

Document Type

Presentation

Publication Date

Fall 10-5-2026

Abstract

• OMT is a technique used by DOs to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal dysfunctions. • An OMT technique commonly utilized in patients with musculoskeletal pain is Myofascial Release (MFR), which involves the stretching, holding and releasing of myofascial tissue to provide localized pain relief. • Despite patient attestation of the therapeutic benefits of MFR, in vitro studies to understand the molecular mechanism(s) is currently lacking. • In vitro algorithm that mimics high intensity exercise (HIE): Previously published studies using myofascial stem cells (MSCs) have documented that multiple cycles of rapid stretch and release can alter the proliferation and differentiation of MSCs • Therefore, the aim of our study was to develop an in vitro model to monitor the effects of multiple stretch-hold-release on stem cell growth and morphology, an algorithm that mimics the MFR technique.

Recommended Citation

Ajjaoui, Mahmoud; Root, Christopher; Wiser, Alex; Operti, Michael; Greer, Christian; and Mondal, Debasis, "Initiating the development of an in vitro model to elucidate the therapeutic potential of Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment" (2026). DO Research Day. 10.
https://digitalcommons.lmunet.edu/doresearch/10