Comparative study of the effects of two inhibitory suboccipital techniques in non-symptomatic subjects with limited cervical mobility

BACKGROUND: Hypomobility on a cervical segment is a frequent finding which is sometimes asymptomatic. The effects of inhibitory suboccipital techniques on cervical mobility have not been evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect on cervical mobility, of pressure maintained suboccipital inhibition manual technique versus a self-treatment using an Occipivot cushion, in asymptomatic subjects with limited mobility assessed by the flexion-rotation test. METHODS: Before-after randomized uncontrolled trial. Thirty-two subjects were recruited and randomized into two groups: Manual Group and Instrumental Group, receiving a single session of the assigned technique. Upper and overall cervical spine mobility was measured. Subjective sensation during technique application and post-treatment, and number and intensity of headache episodes during the following 15 days after treatment were also registered. RESULTS: Comparing with the Instrumental Group, the Manual Group showed statistically significant improvements on flexion-rotation test (p< 0.01 to p< 0.03), upper cervical extension (p< 0.01), overall right rotation (p< 0.05) and overall right (p< 0.01) and left (p< 0.01) side-bending. CONCLUSION: In asymptomatic subjects with limited cervical mobility, pressure maintained suboccipital inhibition manual technique achieves further improvement on cervical range of motion than the technique using the Occipivot cushion.