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.