Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of suboccipital muscle inhibition technique (SMIT) on active range of motion (AROM) of the ankle joint, lunge angle (LA), and balance in healthy adults, according to the duration of its application. A total of 80 participants were randomly allocated to the 4-min suboccipital muscle inhibition (SMI) group (SMI_4M, n = 20), 8-min SMI group (n = 20), 4-min sham-SMI (SSMI) group (n = 20), and 8-min SSMI group (n = 20). Accordingly, the SMIT and sham SMIT were applied for 4 min or 8 min in the respective groups. AROM of dorsiflexion and LA were assessed, and a single leg balance test (SLBT) was performed before and after the intervention. AROM (4 min, p < 0.001; 8 min, p < 0.001), LA (4 min, p < 0.001; 8 min, p < 0.001), and SLBT (4 min, p < 0.001; 8 min, p < 0.001) significantly improved after SMI application. Compared with the SSMI group, the SMI group showed a significant increase in AROM (p < 0.001), LA (p < 0.001), and SLBT (p < 0.001). Except for SLBT (p = 0.016), there were no significant interactions between intervention and application duration. The results suggest that the SMIT, at durations of both 4 and 8 min, could be effective tools for improving AROM, LA, and balance.
Highlights
The suboccipital muscle inhibition technique (SMIT) is associated with changes in body flexibility
Muscle atrophy of the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle decreased the proprioceptive ability of the muscle [7], and the standing posture balance ability declined in the group with the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle atrophy [8]
This study aimed to investigate the effect of SMIT according to the duration of its application on active range of motion (AROM), lunge angle, and balance ability in healthy adults
Summary
The suboccipital muscle inhibition technique (SMIT) is associated with changes in body flexibility. According to a study by Peck et al, the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle has 36 spindles per gram, which serves as a proprioceptor, and the rectus capitis posterior major muscle has 30.5 spindles per gram [6]. Muscle atrophy of the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle decreased the proprioceptive ability of the muscle [7], and the standing posture balance ability declined in the group with the rectus capitis posterior minor muscle atrophy [8]. Based on these studies, the condition of the suboccipital muscle may affect balance ability
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