Effectiveness of the Suboccipital Inhibition Technique in Forward Head Posture.

Not Applicable

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Individuals With Forward Head Posture
• Interventions: Other: Sham Technique; Other: Suboccipital Inhibition Technique

• Registration Number: NCT06439472
• Lead Sponsor: Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde do Porto

Brief Summary

In this randomized controlled experimental trial, it is aimed to verify the effectiveness of applying the suboccipital inhibition technique in altering forward head posture, increasing the craniovertebral angle and decreasing the angle between the chin, the external acoustic meatus and the sternal angle.

Detailed Description

Forward head posture (FHP) is defined as misalignment of the head caused by anterior translation of the head in relation to the trunk, The incidence rate of this postural alteration is 66% in individuals between the ages of 20 and 50.

In order to diagnose this alteration, two angles are used: the craniovertebral angle (CVA) and the angle between the chin, the external acoustic meatus and the sternal angle (AMME), with the CVA being the reference angle for diagnosing a FHP. According to the literature, when the CVA is less than 49.9º, there is a FHP.

We decided to use the suboccipital inhibition technique, which according to Eileen DiGiovanna et al (2005), causes a decrease in muscle tension leading to their relaxation. This relaxation, according to Heredia Rizo et al (2012), has significant effects on increasing CVA, which in turn will decrease AMME, resulting in a positive change in FHP.

Study Timeline

• Study First Submitted: 2024-05-28
• Study First Submitted QC: 2024-05-28
• Status Verified: 2024-06
• Last Update Submitted: 2024-06-02
• Study First Posted: 2024-06-03
• Last Update Posted: 2024-06-04
• Study Start: 2024-09
• Primary Completion: 2024-12
• Study Completion: 2024-12

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 50

Inclusion Criteria

• male and female;
• be over 18 years old;
• have a craniovertebral angle of less than 49.9º.

Exclusion Criteria

• have a craniovertebral angle greater than 49.9º;
• be a 3rd or 4th year osteopathy student;
• be an osteopath.

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Arm && Interventions

Group	Intervention	Description
Sham Technique	Sham Technique	Placebo Comparator: Sham Technique
Suboccipital Inhibition Technique	Suboccipital Inhibition Technique	Experimental: Suboccipital Inhibition Technique

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Angle between the chin, external acoustic meatus and the sternal angle.	Immediately after the intervention.	To obtain this angle, the SAPO postural assessment software will be used. This angle will be measured in the sagittal plane, with the participant sitting on a chair with their feet shoulder-width apart, resting on the floor, forearms relaxed over their legs, looking at a fixed point positioned on the wall 1 meter in front of their eyes.; The SAPO software will determine the angle measurement. This procedure will be carried out 3 times in order to minimize the reading error.
Craniovertebral angle	Immediately after the intervention.	To obtain the craniovertebral angle, the SAPO postural assessment software will be used. This angle will be measured in the sagittal plane, with the participant sitting on a chair with their feet shoulder-width apart, resting on the floor, forearms relaxed over their legs, looking at a fixed point positioned on the wall 1 meter in front of their eyes.; The SAPO software will determine the angle measurement. This procedure will be carried out 3 times in order to minimize the reading error.

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Escola Superior de Saúde do Porto; 🇵🇹 Porto, Portugal