ImmunoBoost: The Lymphatic Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment Protocol Study

This clinical trial is a follow-up on a recent trial demonstrating an enhanced immune response in participants who received lymphatic osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) with each of their COVID-19 mRNA vaccinations. Similar immune enhancement was observed in a pilot study with OMT in conjunction with the Hepatitis B vaccine. Additionally, animal studies have shown that lymphatic pump OMT can cause transient increases in the movement of lymphatic fluid, immune cells, and signaling molecules throughout the body and bloodstream. These findings were further supported by in vitro studies on fibroblasts, where OMT led to significant increases in circulating cytokines. There are studies that suggest that combining physical exercise with vaccination can also improve immune responses. To parse out these effects observed in OMT and exercise studies and provide the mechanisms underlying the observed immune enhancements, this clinical trial will be conducted. This study is designed as a crossover, self-controlled, comparative effectiveness randomized clinical trial. A total of 30 healthy individuals who meet all inclusion/exclusion criteria will be recruited. Participants will then fill out a health questionnaire during the screening process to confirm their eligibility. Each participant will be randomly assigned to one of three intervention sequences to maintain blinding and control for order and sequencing effects. The intervention sequences are as follows: * Order 1: Day 0: OMT, Week 3: Sham, Week 6: Exercise * Order 2: Day 0: Sham, Week 3: OMT, Week 6: Exercise * Order 3: Day 0: Exercise, Week 3: OMT, Week 6: Sham There will be a 3-week washout period between each intervention. Participants will complete the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) survey to identify their current level of exercise at each visit. They will also be monitored for any adverse effects following each intervention. All treatment protocols will be done for a 12-minute timeframe per session. Participants will have three blood draws at each visit: at baseline, five minutes after intervention, and four hours after intervention. The primary outcome measures will include cytokine levels and circulating leukocyte levels, which will be compared across the different intervention sequences. This study aims to provide a deeper understanding of the mechanism by which lymphatic OMT alters the immune system. It will also compare these effects to the mechanisms of exercise.