Prevalence of Chapman Reflex Points in Medical Students and Their Association With Visceral Symptoms

NCT07691112 | Completed

• 1 other identifier: HSIRB_2019
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 101
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Chapman Reflex Points (CRPs) are small palpable nodules found within connective tissue that have traditionally been associated with dysfunction of internal organs and the autonomic nervous system. However, little is known about how commonly these findings occur in healthy individuals or whether they are associated with symptoms experienced by otherwise healthy people. The purpose of this study is to determine the prevalence of Chapman Reflex Points in young healthy adults and to evaluate whether the presence and distribution of these points are associated with self-reported visceral symptoms. Participants complete a standardized health questionnaire regarding recent and recurrent symptoms and undergo a blinded physical examination of established Chapman Reflex Point locations performed by a trained investigator. The results of this study may improve understanding of the physiological mechanisms underlying Chapman Reflex Points and help clarify their potential role in preventive osteopathic assessment and early identification of altered autonomic, lymphatic, fascial, or neuroendocrine function.

Conditions

Healthy; Somatic Dysfunction; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; Lymphatic Diseases; Chapman Reflex Points

Keywords

Chapman Reflex Points; Chapman Reflexes; Somatic Dysfunction; Viscerosomatic Reflexes; Osteopathic Medicine; Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine; Fascial Tissue; Myofibroblasts; Lymphatic System; Lymphatic Physiology; Autonomic Nervous System; Sympathetic Nervous System; Neuroendocrine Regulation; Mechanotransduction; Connective Tissue; Palpatory Examination; Visceral Symptoms; Fascia; Preventive Medicine

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Prevalence of Chapman Reflex Points

  The prevalence and distribution of Chapman Reflex Points identified during a standardized palpatory examination of established Chapman Reflex Point locations performed by a blinded trained investigator. The total number of Chapman Reflex Points observed per participant was recorded and summarized using descriptive statistics.

  through study completion, an average of 1 year

Secondary Outcomes (2)

• Association Between Chapman Reflex Points and Visceral Symptom Clusters

  through study completion, an average of 1 year

• Sex Differences in Chapman Reflex Point Prevalence

  through study completion, an average of 1 year

Other Outcomes (1)

• Distribution of Organ System-Specific Chapman Reflex Points

  through study completion, an average of 1 year

Study Arms (1)

Healthy Young Adults

Participants were young adults who completed a standardized health questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, medical history, lifestyle factors, and recent or recurrent visceral symptoms. Participants subsequently underwent a blinded palpatory examination of established Chapman Reflex Point locations performed by a trained investigator. No therapeutic intervention was administered. The study evaluated the prevalence and distribution of Chapman Reflex Points and their associations with self-reported visceral symptom clusters.

Procedure: Chapman Reflex Point Examination

Interventions

Chapman Reflex Point Examination PROCEDURE

Participants underwent a standardized palpatory examination of established Chapman Reflex Point locations performed by a single trained investigator who was blinded to questionnaire responses. Consistent pressure application and examination duration were utilized to optimize reliability and reproducibility of palpatory findings. No therapeutic intervention, osteopathic manipulative treatment, medication administration, or other clinical intervention was provided as part of the study. Participants also completed a standardized health questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, medical history, lifestyle factors, and recent or recurrent visceral symptoms.

Also known as: Chapman Reflex Point Assessment, Palpatory Examination of Chapman Reflex Points

Healthy Young Adults

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Young adult volunteers recruited from an osteopathic medical school community participated in this cross-sectional observational study. Participants completed a standardized questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, medical history, lifestyle factors, and recent or recurrent visceral symptoms, followed by a blinded palpatory examination of established Chapman Reflex Point locations performed by a trained investigator. A total of 101 participants were enrolled, with a mean age of 27 years.

You may qualify if:

• Adults aged 18 years or older.
• Ability to understand the study procedures and provide informed consent.
• Willingness to complete a standardized health questionnaire.
• Willingness to undergo a blinded palpatory examination of established Chapman Reflex Point locations.

You may not qualify if:

• Individuals younger than 18 years of age.
• Inability or unwillingness to provide informed consent.
• Inability or unwillingness to complete the health questionnaire.
• Inability or unwillingness to undergo the palpatory examination.
• Pregnancy.
• Incomplete study data or questionnaire responses.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• The Touro College and University System: lead

Study Sites (1)

Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - Harlem

New York, New York, 10027, United States

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; Lymphatic Diseases

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Nervous System Diseases; Hemic and Lymphatic Diseases

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: CROSS SECTIONAL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Associate Professor of Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: June 30, 2026
• First Posted: July 8, 2026
• Study Start: March 4, 2020
• Primary Completion: June 26, 2026
• Study Completion: June 27, 2026
• Last Updated: July 8, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-06

Locations

US (1)