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Completed

NCT Number: NCT07096076

The Immediate Effects Of Thoracolumbar Fascia Inhibition And Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition

This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the immediate effects of two self-myofascial release techniques-suboccipital muscle inhibition and thoracolumbal fascia inhibition-on hamstring flexibility, spinal range of motion, and balance in healthy adults. A total of 75 participants with hamstring tightness were randomly assigned to one of three groups: suboccipital inhibition, thoracolumbal inhibition, or control. All participants performed hamstring stretching, and the intervention groups received one of the inhibition techniques immediately after. Outcomes were measured at baseline and within 30 minutes post-intervention. The study found that both techniques led to significant improvements in hamstring flexibility and spinal mobility, with region-specific benefits. The thoracolumbal technique was more effective for trunk and hamstring flexibility, while the suboccipital technique provided greater cervical mobility gains. Balance improvements were limited. These findings support the use of targeted myofascial interventions in clinical practice.

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Key information

Conditions

Healthy Individuals With Hamstring Tightness

Age range

18 year–25 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit Üniversity

Kozlu, Zonguldak Province, 67600, Turkey (Türkiye)

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Healthy volunteers between the ages of 18 and 25
  • Hamstring muscle tightness as defined by Active Knee Extension Test (AKET) ≥ 20°
  • Ability to follow study instructions and provide informed consent
  • No participation in other clinical studies within the last 3 months

Exclusion criteria

  • AKET < 20° (i.e., no hamstring tightness)
  • History of musculoskeletal, neurological, or systemic diseases affecting balance or flexibility
  • Recent injury or surgery involving the spine, pelvis, or lower extremities
  • Use of medications affecting muscle tone or balance
  • Inability to perform the required movements or assessments
  • Pregnancy or suspected pregnancy

Treatment and study plan

Thoracolumbar fascia inhibition

Other

Soft tissue mobilization: Participants will be asked to lie on their backs without a pillow in a hook-lying position, placing a foam roller under the inferior part of the scapula and clasping their hands behind the cervical region. Then, they will be instructed to lift their hips off the ground and roll the foam roller in a cranial and caudal direction from the inferior scapular region to the sacral area for 30 seconds, performing flexion and extension movements with their knees. This application will be performed in a total of 4 sets.

Suboccipital inhibition group

Other

Soft tissue mobilization: Participants will be asked to lie in a supine position on an appropriate surface and keep their knees in extension. Then, they will be instructed to hold both ends of a sheet and place the middle part of the sheet on the plantar surface of one foot. Using the sheet and by dorsiflexing the ankle, they will pull the extended leg toward themselves. This position should be maintained for 30 seconds (8). It is important that the opposite knee does not flex during the exercise. The application will be performed bilaterally.

hamstring stretching

Other

Participants performed passive hamstring stretching using a sheet for self-assistance. Participants will be asked to lie supine on an appropriate surface and keep their knees in extension. Then, they will be instructed to hold both ends of a sheet and place the middle part of the sheet on the plantar surface of one foot. Using the sheet and performing ankle dorsiflexion, they will pull the leg-kept in knee extension-toward themselves. This position should be held for 30 seconds (8). It is important that the opposite knee does not move into flexion during the exercise. The application will be performed bilaterally.

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Cervical Range of Motion (degrees) from Baseline to Post-Intervention

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately (within 30 minutes) post-intervention

    Cervical range of motion (flexion, extension, lateral flexion, rotation) in healthy individuals with hamstring tightness.

  2. Change in Finger-to-Floor Distance from Baseline to Post-Intervention

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately (within 30 minutes) post-intervention

    Finger-to-Floor Distance was used to assess hamstring flexibility. Measurements were taken pre-intervention and within 30 minutes following the intervention.

  3. Change in Y Balance Test from Baseline to Post-Intervention

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately (within 30 minutes) post-intervention

    The Y Balance Test was used to assess dynamic balance, with participants reaching in the anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral directions while standing on one leg. The average reach distance in centimeters (cm) was recorded for each direction.

    The test was administered at baseline and within 30 minutes post-intervention to assess immediate changes in balance performance.

  4. Change in Active Knee Extension Angle (degrees) from Baseline to Post-Intervention

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately (within 30 minutes) post-intervention

    Active Knee Extension Test (AKET): Degree of knee extension measured using a goniometer. Higher values indicate greater flexibility.

  5. Change in The Stork Balance Test from Baseline to Post-Intervention

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately (within 30 minutes) post-intervention

    The Stork Balance Test was used to evaluate static balance by measuring how long (in seconds) a participant could maintain a balanced stance on one leg.

  6. Change in Lumbal Range of Motion (degrees) from Baseline to Post-Intervention

    Time frame: Baseline and immediately (within 30 minutes) post-intervention

    Lumbal range of motion (flexion, extension) in healthy individuals with hamstring tightness.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Bulent Ecevit University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Comparison of The Immediate Effects of Thoracolumbar Fascia Inhibition and Suboccipital Muscle Inhibition on Cervical and Lumbar Joint Range of Motion, Flexibility of Back Extensors and Hamstring Muscles, Functional Exercise Capacity, and Balance In Individuals With Hamstring Shortness

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2025
Study completion
2025
First posted
Jul 31, 2025
Registry last updated
Aug 5, 2025

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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