The student project involves investigative research within the context of clinical application. It includes the integrated use of research methodology and a structured approach to a research question. With the M.Ost, BCOM moved away from its traditional 10,000-word dissertation to a publication-ready 2,500-word research paper; the College did this to encourage its student to seek publication, as the standard of student research work at BCOM has been recognised by external examiners as being at this level.

Research Topics

The following research topic dissertations were recently submitted by final year students:-

• The effects of active and passive stretching of hamstrings on knee range of motion
• Inspiratory Muscle Training & its effect on exercise performance
• Osteopathy: Achieving its potential? A comparison with Physiotherapy and Chiropractic
• An investigation into the effects of strain and counter-strain on cervical Range of Movement (ROM).
• A comparative investigation into the effects of duration of stretch between static stretching and Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
• A comparative study of patients attending two London clinics
• A comparison of the effectiveness of hydrotherapy techniques in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea
• An Osteopathic perspective of the importance of Naturopathy in treatment of Osteoarthritis
• Low back pain in the teaching profession - a comparison between 20 special schools
• The effect of visceral osteopathy on the small intestine and colon function
• Knowledge, management approaches and attitudes of BCNO Osteopaths towards overweight & obese patients
• Incidence of low back pain in primary and secondary school teachers
• An investigation into the effects of HVLAT technique to the cervical spine on cutaneous blood flow in the upper limb
• Supplements as an aid to training - a survey of amateur footballers
• Comparative effects of 2 hydrotherapy techniques on the cardiovascular system
• Effect of cervical HVLAT on lung function
• A survey of the pharmacological use(drugs and supplements)of patients attending the BCNO clinic.
• The difference in core stability between semi-professional football players & hockey players with and without low back pain
• The effect of arm-baths on the cardiovascular system
• The physiological effects of a low carbohydrate diet
• Comparison of hip range of movement in karate practitioners and football players
• Osteopathic awareness in nurses with low back pain
• The effect of muscle energy technique on sub-occipital Range of Movement (ROM)
• The effects of sitz bath on blood pressure and heart rate
• The effect of hydrotherapy in lumbar spine mobility
• The effect of rucksack carrying position on the activity of the trapezius muscle
• Effect of stretching on muscle activity
• The effect of muscle energy technique on lung function: a study on normal subjects
• The effect of a sports bra on ventilatory function
• The effect of the oral contraceptive pill and smoking on peripheral blood flow in the lower limb
• The treatment & the efficacy of osteopathic treatment on IBS
• Osteoporosis in men: a survey of male awareness
• Random survey screening patients attending two private clinics in Nairobi, Kenya
• Exercise and the prevention of work-related musculo-skeletal injury in osteopaths
• The effects of mobilisation on cervical range of motion using the CROM device
• The effects of Glycaemic index on athletic performance
• Investigation into Quadriceps imbalance & lower extremity mal-alignment in ballet dancers with patello-femoral pain syndrome
• Comparison of neuro-muscular technique and a muscle energy technique on cervical range of motion
• An investigation of muscle imbalance between hip flexors and extensors in chronic low back pain subjects
• The effect of cervical HVLAT technique on range of motion
• The heel lift and its effect on cervical and lumbar ROM
• The effect of Thoracic manipulation on blood pressure
• The effect of Osteopathic treatment and core stabilisation exercises on LBP
• The effect of MET on the pressure pain threshold of levator scapulae
• Effect of mobilisation on dorsi-flexion range of movement
• The effects of aerobic exercise on pain perception
• The inter and intra examiner reliability of measuring posterior superior iliac spine levels in functional and anatomical postures
• Survey of the nutritional intakes of the elite swimmer
• The effectiveness of saddle chairs against Back pain and reduction of ROM in dentists
• The effect of exercise on low back pain - the pelvic tilt angle in horse riders
• The effect of hamstring strengthening exercises on knee hyperextension
• Perceived importance of nutrition in OA: A survey of osteopaths and chiropractors
• The role of osteopaths in diabetes mellitus management
• A survey of back injuries in squash players