Immediate Effects of Roller Massage for Posterior Neck Muscles on the Muscle Strength and Range of Motion for Cranio-Cervical Flexion in Subjects With Forward Head Posture

Abstract

Cranio-cervical flexion Forward head posture Roller massage Suboccipital release Background: Forward head posture (FHP) causes various posture imbalances associated with the head and neck. Myofascial release is an effective treatment method used for relaxing muscles and reducing muscle hyperactivity, but no studies have been conducted on suboccipital and neck muscles related to FHP. Objects:The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effect of roller massages on the cranio-cervical flexion (CCF) range of motion (ROM) and CCF strength applied to suboccipital and neck muscles in subject with forward head posture.Methods: Twenty-four FHP subjects (male: 13, female: 11) were recruited for this study. All subjects were recruited with a craniovertebral angle (CVA) of 53 degrees or less and a head tilt angle (HTA) of 20.66 degrees or higher. CCF strength was measured using Pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) in the supine posture and CCF ROM was measured using smartphone-based inclinometer. Roller massage (RM) was applied to suboccipital and neck muscles for 2 minutes and CCF ROM and strength were remeasured.Results: These results of this study showed that CCF ROM was a significant difference in CCF ROM before and after RM (p < 0.05). CCF strength also showed a significant difference before and after RM (p < 0.05). Conclusion:RM method might be recommended to increase the immediate ROM and strength of CCF in subjects with forward head posture.

The Efficacy of Manual Therapy and Pressure Biofeedback-Guided Deep Cervical Flexor Muscle Strength Training on Pain and Functional Limitations in Individuals with Cervicogenic Headaches: A Randomized Comparative Study

“…Te role of manual therapy is limited in the treatment of headaches. Despite not being suitable for all forms of headaches, scientifc evidence supports the use of a few manual therapies, such as cervical spinal exercises, spinal joint mobilization and manipulation, trigger point therapy, physical therapy using heat and cold packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, massage, acupuncture, and cognitive pain approaches, which are based on a nociceptive pain theory and aim to modulate central nervous system hypersensitivity, in the treatment of tension-type and cervicogenic headaches [22][23][24][25][26][27][28]. It has been demonstrated that passive cervical spine mobility or manipulation is useful in lowering or alleviating CGH.…”

“…It has been demonstrated that passive cervical spine mobility or manipulation is useful in lowering or alleviating CGH. Following mobilization treatment, there are improvements in headache frequency, duration, and intensity, and a decrease in the need for headache pain medication has been recorded [25][26][27][28][29]. Although it has not been demonstrated that muscular tightness is a signifcant component of CGH, CGH has been linked to limits in cervical muscle strength, endurance, performance, and control [7,20,29,30].…”