Tom Eiting, PhD and Adrienne Kania, DO, FAAO, NMM/OMM, both faculty at Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, have received a research grant from the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) to study a lingering effect of COVID-19: loss of smell.
Their project, titled “Investigating the Efficacy of OMT to Recover Olfactory Perception after COVID-19,” will explore whether osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) can help patients regain their sense of smell after infection. While the symptom has faded for many, it continues to affect countless people long after they’ve recovered from the virus.
“This study is a great opportunity to explore how OMT might make a real difference in the lives of patients dealing with long-term effects of COVID-19,” said Dr. Eiting. “Loss of smell may seem minor to some, but for many people, it can significantly affect quality of life.”
Dr. Eiting added, “From sniffing the milk in your fridge to enjoying your favorite molé, your sense of smell impacts your quality of life in many ways. Losing your sense of smell has been strongly linked with adverse mental health outcomes, as well as a loss of enjoyment of foods and beverages. It is even associated with elevated environmental risks, such as not being able to smell smoke or spoiled foods.”
Dr. Kania said she’s excited to be part of a study that brings osteopathic care into the spotlight.
“We know the body has an incredible capacity to heal,” she said. “With this research, we hope to better understand how OMT can support that process—especially for patients still looking for answers.”
The AOA grant helps support research that advances the field of osteopathic medicine and contributes to evidence-based care. Burrell College congratulates both faculty members on receiving this award and continuing to elevate the role of osteopathic treatment in patient recovery.
