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Prevalence of Chapman Reflex Points in Medical Students and Their Association With Visceral Symptoms
Sponsor: The Touro College and University System
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.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
101
Start Date
2020-03-04
Completion Date
2026-06-27
Last Updated
2026-07-08
Healthy Volunteers
Yes
Conditions
Interventions
Chapman Reflex Point Examination
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.
Locations (1)
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine - Harlem
New York, New York, United States