The role and dimension of touche in osteopathic practice

Here is the detailed description of your research project in English: Description of the Research Project This scoping review aims to systematically map the scientific literature regarding the dimensions and roles of touch in osteopathy published between 2005 and 2025. Touch constitutes the fundamental tool of the osteopath, both for diagnosis and treatment, but its different facets and functions remain insufficiently characterized in the scientific literature. The main objective is to answer the following question: "How does the scientific literature published between 2005 and 2025 characterize the dimensions and roles of touch in osteopathic practice, from both practitioners' and patients' perspectives?" This research will explore the biomechanical, neurophysiological, relational, psychosocial, identity-related, pedagogical, emotional, and intuitive aspects of osteopathic touch. The methodology will rigorously follow the PRISMA-ScR recommendations. Four databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Google Scholar, PubMed Central, and DOAJ) will be searched using a structured search strategy centered around three concepts: osteopathy, touch, and patient-practitioner interaction. Articles published in English and French between January 2005 and 2025 will be included if they explicitly or implicitly address the dimensions and/or roles of touch in osteopathic practice. The expected outcomes include: A comprehensive mapping of the different dimensions and roles of touch in osteopathy An analysis of the conceptual evolution of osteopathic touch during the last two decades Identification of the proposed mechanisms to explain the effects of osteopathic touch Highlighting research gaps and future perspectives This scoping review will make a significant contribution to the osteopathic profession by clarifying the multiple facets of touch and their implications for clinical practice, education, and research. It will also guide future research by identifying under-explored areas and emerging questions concerning this fundamental pillar of osteopathy.