Primal Reflex Release Technique for Stress

Overseen By CJ Brush, PhD

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Idaho

Must not be taking: Beta blockers

Disqualifiers: Caffeine use, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

30 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

Stress, when left unmanaged, can have detrimental effects on both physical and mental health, contributing to conditions such as high blood pressure, anxiety, and even cardiovascular disease. Effective stress management therapies may help maintain overall well-being and reduce the risk of long-term health complications. The Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT) is a novel manual therapy that may reduce markers related to stress such as heart rate variability (HRV) and patient-reported outcomes (PROs). Therefore, the purpose of this study is to elucidate the potential for PRRT to improve HRV and PROs.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for individuals experiencing stress. Participants should be interested in trying a new manual therapy called Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT) to manage their stress levels.

Inclusion Criteria

I am not currently taking any beta blockers.

Subject can refrain from caffeinated beverages in the 6 hours prior to data collection

I am comfortable with a therapist touching my face and head.

Exclusion Criteria

Subject has had caffeine within 6 hours

I am currently taking beta blockers.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Pre-intervention

Participants watch a 5-minute video of aquatic nature scenes to establish a resting baseline

5 minutes

1 visit (in-person)

Intervention

Participants receive 5 minutes of targeted spinal manipulation PRRT protocol or continue relaxation video viewing for control group

5 minutes

1 visit (in-person)

Post-intervention

Participants watch a repeat of the standardized video to assess changes after PRRT session

5 minutes

1 visit (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment

6 months

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT)

Trial Overview The study tests the effectiveness of PRRT on improving indicators of stress, such as heart rate variability and patient-reported outcomes. It aims to see if this technique can help maintain well-being and prevent health issues related to chronic stress.

Participant Groups

Group I: Primal Reflex Release Technique Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The subject will lay on their back with their eyes closed. Palmar Reflex Release The subject will actively raise arms overhead (palm facing the floor) with a pen squeezed between their fingers. Epicranial Release The clinician will grasp the subject's hair near the front of the hairline with one hand, just above the ear on the right side and gently pull. Frontalis Release The clinician will instruct the subject to raise their eyebrows and keep them raised. The clinician will use their thumbs to gently flick downward on the inside portion of the subject's eyebrows. Orbicularis Oculi Release The clinician will place their thumb below the eye resting on the cheek bone and with the other hand will lightly rest on the subject's eyelid The clinician will then gently and lightly attempt to quickly open the subject's eyelids Suboccipital Release The participant will rest their head in clinicians hands while they provide a slight traction at the base of the skull

Group II: Control Active Control 1 Intervention

For the control, the subject will watch another 5-minute video of fish in an aquarium.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Idaho

Lead Sponsor

Trials

21

Recruited

2,800+

Jayme Baker

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

30+

Sydney Leverett

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

30+

CJ Brush

Collaborator

Trials

1

Recruited

30+